The US has unveiled plans to introduce steep import duties—reaching as high as 3,521%—on solar panels shipped from four South East Asian nations.
The intended tariffs target Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, stemming from concerns over Chinese subsidies and claims of market-distorting low prices. Nearly $12 billion worth of solar equipment was imported from these four nations in 2023.
The announcement closely followed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia—a diplomatic push to strengthen regional alliances and reject what he described as “unilateral bullying” by Washington.
Final approval rests with the US International Trade Commission, which is expected to deliver its verdict by June.
These trade measures, classified as countervailing and anti-dumping duties, differ depending on the company and country of origin. Some Cambodian exporters face the maximum penalty, reportedly due to their limited cooperation during an enquiry.
Jinko Solar, a Chinese company producing in Malaysia, received a relatively lighter duty of just above 41%. Meanwhile, Trina Solar’s Thai-made products were hit with a 375% rate.
Several Chinese manufacturers had earlier shifted production to South East Asia to sidestep tariffs implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency.
The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, which had called for an investigation into the companies, expressed strong approval of the Commerce Department’s conclusions.
“This is a decisive victory for American manufacturing and confirms what we’ve long known: that Chinese-headquartered solar companies have been cheating the system,” said Tim Brightbill, legal representative for the group.
While the new levies may give a boost to domestic producers, they also risk raising costs for US buyers who have benefited from more affordable solar technology. These duties come on top of existing tariffs introduced during the Trump era.
Previously, Trump’s administration imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Currently, an across-the-board 10% tariff is in effect for other nations through July.
US officials recently stated that combined with existing duties, some tariffs on Chinese goods could rise to as much as 245%.
