On Thursday, August 6th, 2026, the Trump administration announced it will impose a 15% tariff and a minimum price on imports of polysilicon, a critical raw material used in solar panels and semiconductor chips. This move is seen as a pushback against China, whose companies hold 96% of the global production of polysilicon, a key material for both industries.

The solar industry is the primary consumer of polysilicon, while semiconductor chips accounted for 2.4% of annual polysilicon consumption in 2025, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. The tariffs aim to address concerns over China’s dominant position in the polysilicon market and its impact on US industries.

This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions and efforts by the US to reduce reliance on Chinese imports in strategic sectors.

Sources