US confirms high tariffs on solar cells from Southeast Asia
Author: PPD Team Date: 23/04/2025
US trade authorities have confirmed high tariffs on most solar cells imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This follows a year-long investigation triggered by US manufacturers’ claims that Chinese-owned companies were underpricing products in the market.
The investigation began after the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee filed a petition in April 2024, alleging that Chinese solar companies operating in these countries were selling panels below production costs and receiving unfair subsidies.
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) determined that certain solar products from these countries were being sold at unfairly low prices and that government subsidies gave producers an unfair advantage. As a result, anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) will be imposed, with tariffs varying by company and country. Thailand faces CVD rates up to 799.55%, Vietnam up to 542.64%, and Malaysia up to 168.8%. Cambodia, whose producers did not participate in the investigation, will face tariffs exceeding 3,500%.
These duties will be finalized if the US International Trade Commission (ITC) confirms that the US industry has been harmed or is at risk. If so, the DOC will issue official AD and CVD orders.
Tim Brightbill, counsel for the American Alliance, commended the DOC’s efforts, calling the decision a victory for American manufacturing. However, opponents like the Solar Energy Industries Association argue that the tariffs could raise costs for US solar producers by increasing prices on imported cells, crucial for US panel assembly plants.
Further pressure may come from new US tariffs of 10-49% on electrical parts, batteries, and equipment from China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, which could strain the US renewable energy sector.