Global tariff landscape saw new shifts last week as the U.S. keeps expanding its trade‑protection scope, which Chinese foreign‑trade enterprises need to closely monitor.

On August 4, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a notice to further broaden Section 232 tariff coverage. Fourteen derivative products of steel, aluminum and copper are proposed for the additional tariff list, including aluminum powder, cables, fire‑fighting equipment and industrial equipment components. These products may be subject to Section 232 tariffs at three rates: 15%, 25% and 50%.

On August 6, President Trump rolled out new trade measures for imported polysilicon and its derivatives, imposing minimum import prices plus an extra 15% tariff. Minimum import prices are set at $21/kg for polysilicon, $100/kg for silicon ingots and wafers, $0.22/W for solar cells, and $0.38/W for solar modules.

Overall, tariff policies are reshaping global supply‑chain layouts. Enterprises shall conduct advance risk assessment to cope with shifting trade conditions.