US Polysilicon Policy Exposes Risk at Wacker’s Tennessee Plant

Washington, 4 September 2026 – A Tennessee polysilicon factory that sits inside the United States semiconductor and solar supply chains faces an uncertain future after new trade measures failed to create a clear preference for domestically produced material. Germany’s Wacker Chemie is expected to decide within weeks whether to close its Charleston facility, which employs about 600 workers.

The plant produces high-purity polysilicon used in semiconductor chips and solar panels. People familiar with the situation said the facility lost its two remaining customers after the policy announcement, although their identities were not confirmed. Wacker said it was too early to assess the full impact and did not comment directly on customer losses or a potential closure.