Wacker Chemie AG

The Trump administration is preparing to set a price floor and impose tariffs on polysilicon and related products, according to four people familiar with the plan. The decision, expected later this month, aims to protect US polysilicon factories owned by Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker Chemie from growing Chinese ambitions in the chip supply chain. The administration is expected to pursue a hybrid system combining a minimum import price with tariffs on polysilicon and derivative products. Two of the sources said the plan will allow importers investing in US wafer and cell production to offset the costs associated with the trade protections. China accounts for roughly 80% of global solar manufacturing capacity.

Wacker Chemie AG reported a 7% year-over-year increase in group sales to 1.52 billion euros in the second quarter of 2026, while raising its full-year EBITDA guidance to a range of 625 million to 750 million euros. EBITDA before special pension effects rose 53% to 175 million euros, driven by cost savings from the PACE program, which contributed 45 million euros in the quarter and 85 million euros in the first half. Reported EBITDA reached 211 million euros, including a 37 million euro non-cash pension effect, and net income was 350 million euros, boosted by approximately 243 million euros in non-operating Siltronic-related effects. By segment, silicones sales grew 6% to 757 million euros with EBITDA of 123 million euros, polymers sales increased 12% to about 406 million euros with EBITDA of 69 million euros, biosolutions sales rose 13% to 99 million euros with EBITDA of 7 million euros, and polysilicon sales edged up 3% to roughly 226 million euros with EBITDA of 11 million euros. The company highlighted strong semiconductor-grade polysilicon volume growth of 10% in the first half, while noting subdued demand in construction and industrial markets, ongoing weakness in solar polysilicon, and a 90 million euro headwind from lower CO2 compensation.

The global fumed silica market is projected to grow from USD 1.80 billion in 2025 to USD 2.14 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 3.46 percent. Hydrophobic fumed silica is anticipated to be the fastest-growing type due to its superior water resistance, dispersibility, and thickening properties, making it ideal for adhesives, sealants, and coatings. Among applications, UPR and composites are set for rapid growth, while the pharmaceutical industry is poised to be the fastest-growing end-use sector. The Middle East and Africa region is projected to lead regional growth, driven by infrastructure development and industrial investments. Key players include Evonik Industries AG, Wacker Chemie AG, and Cabot Corporation.