US Solar Makers Seek Tariffs on Asian Imports
- US solar manufacturers push for tariffs on Southeast Asian imports, citing unfair competition. Potential tariffs up to 271.5% could impact project costs and industry growth.
US solar manufacturers are seeking additional tariffs on $12.5 billion of imported equipment from Southeast Asia, citing unfair practices by overseas rivals. The move could lead to tariffs as high as 271.5% later this year, potentially making power projects more expensive. The complaints come from seven panel makers and polysilicon producers, who argue that cheap imports threaten the emerging domestic solar manufacturing industry.
While the tariffs could support US solar manufacturing, they also raise concerns about market uncertainty and slower deployment of renewable energy projects. The US solar makers are calling for duties ranging from 70.4% to 271.5% on imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which constitute about 80% of US panel imports. The Commerce Department will now determine whether to launch a probe, with a decision expected in the next 20 days.
Are US solar manufacturers justified in seeking additional tariffs on Southeast Asian imports?
- US solar manufacturers argue that additional tariffs on Southeast Asian imports are necessary to combat unfair practices by overseas rivals, such as dumping and government subsidies.
- The tariffs could help support the emerging domestic solar manufacturing industry, creating more jobs and boosting the economy.
- However, there are concerns that the tariffs could lead to market uncertainty and higher costs for solar power projects, potentially slowing down the deployment of renewable energy in the US.
- The proposed duties range from 70.4% to 271.5% on imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which make up a significant portion of US panel imports.
- The Commerce Department will make a decision on whether to launch a probe into the matter in the next 20 days, which will determine the future of the tariffs.
