On Thursday, August 6th, 2026, the Trump administration announced it will impose a 15% tariff rate along with a minimum price on imports of polysilicon, a critical raw material used in solar panels and semiconductor chips. This move targets Chinese companies, which currently hold 96% of the global production of polysilicon, a key material for both industries.

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the solar industry is the primary consumer of polysilicon, while semiconductor chips accounted for 2.4% of annual polysilicon consumption in 2025. The tariffs are seen as a pushback against China’s dominant position in this market.

This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions and efforts by the US to bolster its domestic industries and reduce reliance on Chinese imports.

Sources