Trump orders new 15% tariff on key material for solar panels and microchips
The Trump administration has imposed a 15% tariff on imported polysilicon, a critical material for microchips and solar panels, primarily sourced from China. The move is intended to bolster domestic US supply chains and compete with Beijing in the AI and energy sectors.
Why it matters
This trade policy highlights the ongoing geopolitical tension between the US and China over critical technology components and the push for domestic manufacturing independence.
Solar panels arranged on the rooftop of an industrial park in Jimo, Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province. Solar panels arranged on the rooftop of an industrial park in Jimo, Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province. Trump administration Trump orders new 15% tariff on key material for solar panels and microchips Move to raise levy on goods made with polysilicon aims to protect domestic US supply chains from China, the major producer
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump has ordered a new 15% tariff on imported products made of polysilicon, an important ingredient in microchip manufacturing that is primarily produced by China.
The new tariff, which will take effect on 4 December, is aimed at supporting US chip and solar panel supply chains to compete with Beijing on artificial intelligence and energy.
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