US Imposes 15% Tariff on Solar Panel Components

The new restrictions will apply to components for solar panels and other polysilicon products. At the same time, the US will set minimum import prices.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing an additional 15 percent tariff on imports of derivative polysilicon products. The new rules will take effect on December 4, 2026.

The restrictions will affect, in particular, polysilicon ingots and wafers, solar cells, modules, and other products specified in the appendices to the presidential executive order.

In addition to the tariff, the Trump administration is introducing a minimum import price program:

• $21 per kilogram of polysilicon;
• $100 per kilogram of polysilicon ingots and wafers;
• $0.22 per watt of solar cell capacity;
• $0.38 per watt of solar module capacity.

If the value of the goods declared by the importer is below the established minimum, the importer must pay the difference as an additional tariff. Companies and their related entities that submit false documents may be permanently banned from importing such goods into the United States.

For goods from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, the overall tariff rate together with the new tariff must not exceed 15%. A rate of 10% is provided for products from the United Kingdom.

Companies that commit to building, expanding, or modernizing the production of polysilicon and its derivatives in the US will be able to apply for exemption from the new tariffs. Construction of such facilities must begin no later than January 20, 2029.

The White House explained the decision by the drive to restore American manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, primarily Chinese. Polysilicon is used in the production of semiconductors and solar panels.

According to the US administration, America's share of global polysilicon production capacity has fallen from 50% in 2005 to less than 2% in 2024. At the same time, global production of the material has increased by more than 270% since 2020.

Sources: The White House, The Wall Street Journal