U.S. imposes tariffs of up to 3,521% on solar imports from Southeast Asia

Last year, the U.S. imported $12.9 billion in solar equipment from four countries, which will fulfill its new responsibilities

The U.S. has a new responsibility of importing solar energy from four Southeast Asian countries as high as 3,521%, bringing victory to domestic manufacturers while exacerbating headwinds that have already threatened the country’s renewable energy development.

The duty announced on Monday was the culmination of a year-on-year trade survey of solar manufacturers in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, which unfairly benefited from government subsidies and exported to the United States at prices below production costs. The investigation was sought by domestic solar manufacturers and started under former President Joe Biden.

While responsibilities will benefit domestic manufacturers, they will also pinch up renewable developers we have long relied on cheap foreign supplies, which adds uncertainty to the industry that changes in Washington’s politics and policy.

The levy will complement the new broad tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on global supply chains and markets. It is well known to offset the value of alleged unfair subsidies and pricing calculated by the Department of Commerce, aiming to offset the alleged anti-dumping and compensation duties.

The department’s determination is a victory for both Trump and Biden’s attempt to galvanize domestic manufacturing. Potential beneficiaries include Hanwha Q cells and First Solar Energy, among others.

While Biden’s commitment to subsidies and demand from the inflation reduction bill helped drive waves of interest and investment in new domestic solar panel factories across the U.S., manufacturers warn that these factories are being hurt by foreign competitors selling their equipment at lower than the market price.

“This is a decisive victory for the U.S. manufacturing,” said Tim Brightbill, co-chair of Willy’s International Trade Business Practice.

The findings confirm that “what we already know: solar companies at China headquarters have been cheating on the system, weakening U.S. companies and causing losses to American workers’ livelihoods.”

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia’s national responsibilities are as high as 3,521%, reflecting the country’s decision to stop participating in the investigation.

Unnamed companies in Vietnam face up to 395.9% of responsibilities, while Thailand sets at 375.2%. Malaysia’s national tax rate is 34.4%. Jinko Solar is evaluated as a duty of about 245% of Vietnam’s exports and 40% from Malaysia. Trina Solar in Thailand faces a 375% tax and over 200% tax in Vietnam. JA solar modules from Vietnam can be evaluated at a rate of about 120%.

Last year, the U.S. imported $12.9 billion in solar equipment from four countries that will perform new responsibilities, according to Bloomberg. This accounts for about 77% of the total module imports.

The key responsibilities of the U.S. International Trade Commission for action alone, which will decide within one month whether the producer is harmed or threatened by imports.

After importing solar energy from China about 12 years ago, the Chinese manufacturer’s response was in other countries that were not affected by tariffs. The U.S. launched an investigation that was triggered by an April petition by the U.S. Solar Manufacturing Trade Commission, which represents companies including First Solar, Hanwha Q Cell and Mission Solar Energy LLC.

More stories like this are available Bloomberg.com

Published on April 22, 2025