US Trade Officials Open Probe Into Polysilicon Imports

The U.S. Department of Commerce on July 1 initiated a Section 232 trade investigation to “determine the effects on the national security of imports of polysilicon and its derivatives,” according to a notice posted this week in the Federal Register.

The agency’s probe raises the possibility of additional duties being levied on crystalline silicon PV panels — only a month after the close of the anti-dumping/countervailing duties probe that ended with steep new tariffs slapped on imports from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand.

On top of that, new country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs take effect in August. The Biden administration in December doubled Section 301 tariffs on polysilicon to 50%.

China controls much of the global polysilicon and supply chain, though limited capacity exists in Germany, Malaysia and the U.S.

OPIS most recently assessed the spot price of China Mono Premium at ¥36.50/kg, or around $5.07/kg. It assessed the spot price for the equivalent made outside of China (the Global Polysilicon Marker, or GPM) at $18.55/kg.

Commerce is soliciting public feedback on a range of questions related to its investigation. Replies are due within 21 days.