This preceding week has seen the publication of several news items that directly influence the potential, and thus the valuation, of REC Silicon.

Trump unveils trade actions to compete with China on solar and chips

On August 6, 2026, President Trump signed a Section 232 proclamation aimed at protecting the U.S. polysilicon manufacturing industry from overseas dumping and national security threats. The rules go into effect on December 4, 2026.

The order establishes strict price floors for imported materials:

• Polysilicon: $21 per kilogram
• Ingots and wafers: $100 per kilogram
• Solar cells: $0.22 per watt
• Solar modules: $0.38 per watt

Additionally, a tariff will be applied to downstream derivative products (such as ingots, wafers, cells, and modules).

The proclamation also authorizes the Commerce Department to create an incentive ​program for companies that invest in factories ​to ⁠produce polysilicon or derivative products.

Additionally, a proclamation from the White House states that «The Secretary should have the authority to enter into company-specific deals with producers to incentivize such investments and the strengthening of the United States polysilicon supply chain.»

 
Sila

After securing $300 million in private funding a few weeks ago, Sila yesterday published the news that they’ve received a conditional $1.4 billion loan commitment from the US Department of War (sic.)

The funds will be used to significantly expand the production of Sila’s silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery anodes at its Moses Lake, Washington facility, and to build a new lithium-ion battery cell plant.

The investment is designed to bolster U.S. technology sovereignty by reducing reliance on China, which currently controls over 90% of global anode processing and 80% of battery cell production.

On September 19^th 2024, REC Silicon issues a stock announcement stating that “REC Silicon and Sila Sign Long-Term Silane Supply Agreement”. Since that time, the company has not provided the (former) shareholders with any updates, neither on what has been delivered nor on what plans exist for the future.