In a move signaling escalating trade tensions, the Biden administration has announced it will double tariffs on Chinese-manufactured solar products. This decision, set to take effect on January 1st, comes just weeks before the end of President Biden's term and follows concerns over alleged cyber theft and industrial espionage.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) specified that tariffs on solar wafers and polysilicon from China will increase from 25% to 50%, while tariffs on certain tungsten products will rise to 25%. These materials are essential for solar panel production and other electronics. USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai stated that these increased tariffs aim to counter China's detrimental trade practices while bolstering domestic clean energy investments and supply chain resilience.

This tariff hike stems from a four-year Section 301 investigation into China, which, according to the USTR, revealed a continuation and intensification of harmful forced technology transfer practices, including cyber theft and industrial espionage.

The announcement closely follows President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose further tariffs on China upon taking office. Trump indicated a potential 10% tariff increase to pressure China to address illegal fentanyl smuggling.

Subsequently, China declared its intention to restrict exports of crucial minerals like antimony, gallium, and germanium to the United States.