The United States imposes a 15 percent tariff on polysilicon products

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday establishing a minimum import price and imposing new tariffs on products manufactured using polysilicon, a key material used in the production of solar panels and semiconductors.

The executive order stipulates that these products will be subject to a 15% tariff starting December 4. It also sets minimum prices for importing polysilicon and other goods, such as solar cells, with the measures taking effect on the same date.

In an explanatory document, the White House stated that the goal is to “create a level playing field for American producers of these strategic goods” and to “encourage the localization of these industries.”

The move follows a year-long investigation by the Department of Commerce into imports of the material, which Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described as a “critical product” used in the manufacturing of electronic chips.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Lutnick said, “We manufacture products here, but we also need the supply chain here. This step will attract the supply chain.”

Addressing Trump, he added, “We are setting prices to prevent Chinese dumping and imposing tariffs to encourage them to manufacture here. We have this industry here, but it is very small, and it will see tremendous growth under your leadership.”

The White House noted that the US share of global polysilicon production capacity fell from 50% in 2005 to less than 2% in 2024.

Thursday’s announcement marks the latest in a series of broad tariffs imposed by Trump on US trading partners since his return to the White House last year.