Section 232 Solar Tariffs
Minimum import pricing for polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules and 15% ad valorem tariff are effective December 4, 2026.
On August 6, 2026, the Trump administration declared minimum pricing in effect for polysilicon imports, as well as a 15% tariff on products made with polysilicon under Section 232.
The listed minimum import prices are effective December 4, 2026 and are subject to adjustment by the Secretary of Commerce based on market conditions:
- $21/kg for polysilicon
- $100/kg for ingots and wafers
- 22¢/W for solar cells
- 38¢/W for solar panels
- Imports valued below the minimum import price could be penalized; they may be subject to an additional specific tariff equal to the exact financial shortfall between the entered value and the mandatory minimum price.
- In addition, if U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines that the pricing documentation or compliance certifications are materially inaccurate, the importer will be banned from importing polysilicon and its derivative, permanently.
- Wafers, cells, and finished panels are part of the Derivative Products subject to the 15% ad valorem tariff, effective December 4.
- Pure polysilicon is subject to minimum pricing but not the additional tariff.
Polysilicon Manufacturing Incentives
As part of the declaration, the administration also ordered the Secretary of Commerce to create an incentive program for companies to produce polysilicon in the US. It specifies that companies that submit plans to onshore production should receive tariff relief.
Section 232 Polysilicon Tariff Background
The Trump administration had applied narrower tariffs on cells and modules under Section 201 during its first term. Those tariffs expired in February 2026. A Section 232 investigation was launched in July 2025. The new tariffs are intended to protect national security by bolstering domestic manufacturing.
Though the new minimum pricing and tariffs apply to all polysilicon imports, the solar industry is the biggest consumer of polysilicon and will be significantly affected. Today, China produces about 90% of the world’s supply compared to the US’s 2%.
The United States averages 50GW of new solar installations each year. Currently, there is enough domestic capacity to produce close to 70GW of panels every year, but domestically made panels have continued to be priced higher than imported panels.
Likely Effects of Section 232 on the Solar Industry
It always takes time to see just how new solar policies play out in the industry, but it’s likely the new tariffs will increase the cost of installing solar power. They may also push more domestic manufacturing to develop (as is the goal).
It is important to note that the new Section 232 measures are additive. The minimum import price requirements and 15% ad valorem tariff may apply alongside existing AD/CVD orders, pre-existing Section 301 tariffs on certain Chinese-origin products, and other applicable import duties.
Section 301 Solar Tariffs
In July 2026, the administration finalized Section 301 tariffs following investigations into whether certain countries failed to prohibit or effectively enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labor.
The resulting measures impose additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, with certain product exemptions available for critical raw materials and products that could cause supply disruptions.
For some U.S. trading partners, including the European Union, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, tariff treatment is adjusted to account for existing Most-Favored-Nation duty rates.
Products covered by the August 2026 Section 232 polysilicon proclamation are generally understood to be excluded from the new July 2026 forced-labor Section 301 duties. However, pre-existing Section 301 tariffs, including those applicable to certain Chinese-origin solar products, may continue to apply.
Like the new Section 232 measures, these Section 301 duties can significantly affect landed equipment costs and should be evaluated alongside any applicable AD/CVD orders when planning future solar purchases.
How Solar Developers Can Mitigate Risk
Many developers purchased inventory in advance in an effort to avoid additional tariffs. Purchasing inventory for future projects before the Section 232 effective date may offer cost saving advantages. Relying on domestic content is, of course, the safest way to avoid tariffs or penalties on imported products.
Kinect Solar has both domestic and imported inventory in stock below the MIP and ready to ship. Our solar experts can provide information on equipment that may be advantageous to your projects.
High-quality solar equipment at wholesales prices from top-tier manufacturers
- Posted in Regulation, Solar Industry
- Tagged in solar imports, Solar Policy, solar tariffs