Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy says U.S. will levy tariffs on polysilicon derivatives

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Friday that the United States will impose a 15 percent additional tariff on polysilicon derivatives as part of measures intended to strengthen supply-chain security for U.S. semiconductor and solar industries by ensuring the commercial viability of domestic polysilicon production.

The White House announced the measures Thursday, local time, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The action followed a Section 232 investigation into polysilicon that began in July 2025. They will take effect on Dec. 4, 2026, Eastern Time.

The policy will establish minimum import prices of $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for ingots and wafers, and $0.22 and $0.38 per watt for solar cells and modules. For Korea, the combined Section 232 and most-favored-nation tariff rate will total 15 percent.

The proclamation offers onshoring incentives to businesses that invest in and produce covered goods in the United States. Companies approved after consultations with the U.S. commerce secretary may import needed production equipment and covered products without the Section 232 tariff, in amounts tied to their investment scale and construction period. They must commit to begin building U.S. production facilities by Jan. 20, 2029.

South Korea's 2025 exports to the United States were estimated at about $2.2 million for polysilicon and about $430 million for its derivatives. The ministry plans to meet related agencies and industry representatives to assess the impact on exporters and companies operating in the United States, and consult U.S. officials to minimize effects on Korean businesses.