The International Trade Administration (ITA), which is part of the US Department of Commerce, has announced extra tariffs of up to 3,521 percent on solar panels from Southeast Asia, according to the AFP news agency. Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are all affected.
Offset China's subsidies
According to the ITA, the high import tariffs are intended to offset China's subsidies for solar panel production in these countries. This was the result of an investigation launched in April 2024 by the International Trade Commission (ITC) following complaints from US manufacturers. The ITC now has until June 2 to determine the impact of these subsidies on US manufacturers and what tariffs will be imposed in the future.
Targeted hammer duties for two companies
A tariff of 34.41 percent is planned for solar modules from Malaysia. Solar panels from Cambodia will be subject to an average tariff of 651.85 percent. For products from two companies in Cambodia, Hounen Solar and Solar Long PV-Tech, the tariff rate will be 3,521 percent.
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According to Chinese figures, solar modules imported from Southeast Asia to the US were worth just under twelve billion dollars. The proposed tariffs would be added to the ten percent rate that has been in place since April 2 on almost all imports. On top of this come the “reciprocal” tariffs that Donald Trump has suspended for the time being.
SolarPower Europe: High potential of European PV manufacturers
The question now is how the EU will respond. So far, the majority opinion has been critical of tariffs on Chinese photovoltaic products, calling instead for further financial and regulatory incentives to boost European photovoltaic production. The European industry association SolarPower Europe has taken a similar stance. (hcn)
