Overview

• 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.