Criticizing the 15% polysilicon tariff for higher solar costs and climate impact

Criticizing the 15% tariff, consumer groups warn that the added cost will be passed to homeowners and businesses, raising solar panel prices by an estimated 5‑7%. Higher upfront expenses could deter new installations, slowing progress toward Singapore’s renewable‑energy targets and undermining climate commitments. Trade experts caution that the duty may trigger a WTO dispute, as China could argue the measure violates trade rules, leading to reciprocal tariffs on U.S. exports. Small‑scale solar developers, who rely on low‑cost imports, say the tariff threatens their viability and could consolidate the market around a few large players. The policy also risks encouraging Chinese firms to shift production to third‑party countries, circumventing the duty while still delivering cheap polysilicon to the U.S. Opponents call for a targeted subsidy for U.S. manufacturers instead of a blanket tariff, arguing that incentives would boost capacity without inflating consumer prices.