Trump Imposes 15% Tariff on Polysilicon Derivatives, a Core Semiconductor Material

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 15% tariff on polysilicon derivatives, which are core raw materials for semiconductors.

In the proclamation on the 6th (local time), President Trump stated, "I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to impose a 15% tariff on imports of polysilicon derivatives to ensure that such imports do not threaten to impair the national security of the United States."

He also set the minimum import price for polysilicon at $21 per kilogram.

For polysilicon ingots (cylindrical polysilicon blocks) and wafers, the minimum import price was set at $100 per kilogram.

The establishment of minimum import prices is interpreted as a measure to prevent dumping of low-priced imports, led by countries like China, and to protect the domestic production base in the United States.

The measure will take effect in 120 days, starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on December 4.

The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated a Section 232 investigation into polysilicon in July of last year, and this executive order is based on the results of that investigation.

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act grants the President the authority to restrict imports through appropriate measures, such as tariffs, if it is determined that the import of a specific item threatens national security.

President Trump stated on the day, "Polysilicon is a foundational material that underpins the security of America's semiconductor and solar power supply chains," adding that this measure is aimed at rebuilding the U.S. polysilicon industry.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.