The Trump administration is considering setting a price floor and imposing tariffs on polysilicon and related products to protect U.S. factories from growing Chinese competition in the solar panel and semiconductor industries.
Background
Polysilicon is a critical material used in the production of solar panels and semiconductors. The U.S. is home to several polysilicon factories, including Hemlock Semiconductor in Michigan, which is a joint venture between Corning and Japan’s Shin-Etsu Handotai.
The proposed tariffs are part of a broader effort by the U.S. to counter China’s increasing dominance in the global solar panel and semiconductor markets. China currently accounts for roughly 80% of global solar manufacturing capacity.
The White House has not commented on the plan, but sources familiar with the deliberations say that the administration is expected to pursue a hybrid system combining a minimum import price with tariffs on polysilicon and derivative products.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
