US Opens Path for $13 Billion Solar Imports Tariffs

Tariffs on solar equipment imports from four Southeast Asian countries are set to take effect following a decision by the U.S. government trade committee. In a vote today (May 20, 2025), the U.S. International Trade Commission concluded that imported solar cells and modules from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam harm domestic manufacturers. This finding paves the way for full implementation of the tariffs. The decision is a win for U.S.-based manufacturers, according to Bloomberg. Companies like Hanwha Q Cells and First Solar have accused discounted imports from Southeast Asia of hindering local production and sales, even with tax incentives aimed at boosting domestic advanced energy technology. These tariffs, designed to address unfair pricing, will increase the cost of solar equipment from Southeast Asia, posing challenges for renewable energy planners in the U.S. Solar energy is now the leading source of power installations in the U.S., but these tariffs add to other policy and supply hurdles complicating future growth prospects. Republicans in Congress have moved to reduce federal support, while the industry faces further import tariffs. Tariffs calculated last month by the Commerce Department could reach 3,521% for some Cambodian manufacturers, reflecting the country’s decision to stop cooperating with U.S. investigations. However, rates for other countries and companies were much lower, averaging 396% for Vietnam, 375% for Thailand, and 34% for Malaysia.