The U.S. government has introduced a minimum import price system for polysilicon and its derivatives, imposing a 15% tariff on products such as ingots, wafers, and solar cells. In response, the South Korean government is assessing the impact on domestic companies and preparing countermeasures.
On August 11, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired by Deputy Minister Park Jeong-seong, to discuss responses to the U.S. government's Section 232 measures on polysilicon.
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, as well as major companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hanwha Q CELLS, OCI, SK Siltron, and the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association.
On August 6, the U.S. government announced the introduction of a minimum import price system for polysilicon and its derivatives under the Trade Expansion Act Section 232, along with a 15% tariff on polysilicon derivatives, including ingots, wafers, and cells.
The minimum import prices set by the U.S. are $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for ingots and wafers, $0.22 per watt for solar cells, and $0.38 per watt for solar modules.
During the meeting, officials assessed the impact of the U.S. measures on South Korean exports and the supply chains of domestic companies operating or investing in the U.S.
The government and industry discussed strategies to minimize the impact on domestic companies.
Based on the outcomes of the meeting, the Ministry plans to maintain close communication with the industry and actively respond to minimize the effects on domestic companies and exports, including negotiations with U.S. officials.
Deputy Minister Park stated, "We will closely monitor the short- and long-term impacts of the Section 232 measures on our industry and do our utmost to provide necessary support from the government in a timely manner."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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