U.S. Increases Tariffs on Chinese Solar and Tungsten Imports
The Biden administration doubles tariffs on solar components and imposes new duties on tungsten to bolster domestic clean energy and supply chain resilience.
- Tariffs on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon will rise from 25% to 50%, and a new 25% duty will apply to certain tungsten products starting January 1, 2025.
- The U.S. Trade Representative stated the measures aim to counter harmful Chinese trade practices and support domestic clean energy industries.
- China, which dominates global production of tungsten and solar panel materials, has been accused of unfair subsidies and pressuring foreign companies for technology transfers.
- The tariff hikes follow recent U.S.-China trade tensions, including restrictions on Chinese access to semiconductor technology and China's export bans on key chip-making minerals.
- The International Energy Agency has urged nations to diversify solar panel supply chains, as China currently controls over 80% of global solar panel production.