CHARLESTON, Tenn. - A top Wacker official Friday raised the trade issue at the start of construction of its second plant here, saying barriers already are affecting its existing factory.
"This plant here in Charleston would benefit a lot from free trade," said Auguste Willems, an executive board member for the German company.
The trade issue arose this week during President Donald Trump's visit to Europe and his criticism of Germany over its large trade surplus with the U.S.
Willems said the Charleston plant's making of polysilicon, which is used in producing solar power panels, starts with silicon metal as a raw material.
But, he said, U.S. punitive tariffs on imported silicon metal puts Wacker at a disadvantage in its production.
At the same time, Willems said, Wacker can't supply its locally made polysilicon to China where its largest customers are located because of high tariffs China has imposed on polysilicon made in the U.S.
This was a counter measure to U.S. punitive tariffs on imported Chinese solar panels, he said.
"Our standpoint is clear. We strongly support free trade," Willems said. "As a company we have learned how to handle crises and solve problems, but we need the help of politicians for trade disputes."
He said a chemical supply chain travels around the world.
"If you stop the supply of any phase in this chain , every chemical company is in favor of free trade across the world," Willems said.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.