United States imposes new tariffs and price floors on polysilicon imports

The United States has announced new trade measures targeting the import of polysilicon and its derivatives to protect domestic semiconductor and solar power supply chains. The policy, implemented via an official proclamation, aims to address foreign policies that have contributed to global oversupply and undercut the U.S. industry.

Starting December 4, 2026, the rules will enforce minimum import prices and a new 15% tariff on polysilicon ingots and other covered derivatives. Specific price floors include $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for ingots and wafers, $0.22 per watt for solar cells, and $0.38 per watt for solar modules. The Commerce Department maintains the authority to adjust these minimum prices upward.

While the measures are intended to boost domestic manufacturing, industry analysts suggest they could have significant side effects. The Solar Energy Industries Association notes that U.S. module assemblers currently rely on imports for over 90% of their cell supply. Consequently, these price floors may increase the cost of solar panels and potentially slow the growth of clean energy deployment in the United States.