[Edaily Reporter LEE SU-BIN ] With the U.S. set to impose a 15% tariff on polysilicon derivatives, the supply chain—which has been dominated by Chinese companies—is expected to rapidly restructure. Domestic materials companies that have been competing with Chinese firms are likely to benefit from this development as they regain their price competitiveness.

According to foreign media reports on the 7th, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 6th (local time) imposing a 15% tariff on polysilicon derivatives.

According to the executive order, polysilicon itself is exempt from the tariff and will be subject only to a minimum import price (MIP). Consequently, a price of $21 per kilogram will apply to polysilicon, while polysilicon ingots and wafers will be subject to $100 per kilogram. The measure will take effect 120 days from now, on December 4.

The U.S. explained that this measure is intended to protect national security and the supply chains of key industries. Previously, the U.S. Department of Commerce had been investigating the impact of polysilicon imports on national security since July of last year. However, the market views this move as an effort by the U.S. to reduce its dependence on China across the entire supply chain.

Consequently, the potential for domestic companies to benefit is increasing. Currently, aside from China, only a few companies—including Germany’s Wacker, the U.S.’s Hemlock, and South Korea’s OCI Holdings—are capable of providing a stable supply of high-purity polysilicon. Analysts predict that as the U.S. pushes to decouple its supply chains from China, the value of South Korean companies will rise.

In the case of OCI Holdings, while it will avoid the direct burden of tariffs, it can expect a price-defensive effect from the introduction of a minimum price system. It appears that the company will be able to partially recover the price competitiveness it had lost due to the low-price offensive by Chinese companies.

Hanwha Q CELLS welcomed the measure on its U.S. website, stating, “The White House has introduced measures to support solar manufacturers in competing fairly, in line with the nation’s growing energy demand.”

The executive order also includes a provision allowing duty-free imports of quantities corresponding to the scale of investment, provided the U.S. Department of Commerce approves investment plans for domestic production facilities for polysilicon, ingots, wafers, and cells. This serves as an additional incentive for companies expanding local production in the U.S.

The semiconductor industry believes the immediate impact will be limited. This is because companies have proactively prepared for the imposition of tariffs to ensure a stable supply for up to one year.

However, analysts note that the medium- to long-term impact remains to be seen if this measure triggers a full-scale restructuring of supply chains. If global polysilicon prices rise, the initial investment costs for solar power generation facilities could increase. If the U.S. further strengthens its efforts to build a domestic-focused supply chain for semiconductors and solar materials, domestic companies are expected to accelerate their expansion of local production in the U.S.

An industry official stated, “It is positive that the uncertainty has been resolved,” but added, “Since the details have not yet been announced, we need to keep a close eye on the situation.”