U.S. Imposes Additional Import Tariffs On Key Chinese Components

The US government has announced additional tariffs on imports from China, targeting critical components used in solar panels and other products, Kyodo News reported.

Under the new measures, tariffs on solar wafers and polysilicon will rise to 50%, while certain tungsten products will face a 25% tariff.

The move is part of an effort to protect domestic manufacturing before President Joe Biden leaves office next month.

Under the new measures, tariffs on solar wafers and polysilicon will rise to 50%, while certain tungsten products will face a 25% tariff. The increases, effective Jan. 1, fall under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, which allows levies on unfair trade practices.

USTR Katherine Tai stated that the tariff increases aim to "blunt the harmful policies and practices" of China while bolstering US investments in clean energy and critical supply chains.

The timing is notable, as President-elect Donald Trump, who frequently utilized Section 301 during his first term to justify tariffs on Chinese imports, will replace Biden on Jan. 20. Trump initiated a trade war with China in 2018, using similar measures to address trade imbalances and alleged unfair practices.