By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-10-02 03:43:11 | Updated at 2024-10-02 06:28:32
2 hours ago
The US Commerce Department has set preliminary duties on solar imports from Southeast Asia, after an initial finding the equipment is benefiting from illegal government aid.
The determination marks an early victory for US panel makers who say cheap imports are harming their operations and threatening investments meant to cultivate the United States’ solar supply chain. They asked the government to impose the duties, arguing the equipment benefits from unfair foreign subsidies and is being sold at prices below the cost of production.
The targeted nations provide the bulk of US solar cell and module imports, and the swift imposition of countervailing duties means renewable developers will face higher prices for that equipment right away. For many imports from Thailand and Vietnam, rates will apply retroactively, going back 90 days to early July.
The case marks only the latest bid by US manufacturers to confront overseas rivals, beginning with similar duties on solar imports from China roughly 12 years ago. Chinese manufacturers responded by setting up operations in other Asian nations that weren’t affected by the tariffs.
Companies pursuing the latest claims as part of the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee include First Solar Inc., Hanwha Qcells USA Inc., and Mission Solar Energy LLC.
