The US Commerce Department has announced preliminary duties on solar panel imports from Southeast Asia, following findings that these imports are benefiting from illegal government subsidies. The decision comes as a win for domestic solar manufacturers, who claim that these imports are harming their operations and undermining efforts to establish a robust US solar supply chain.

The affected nations — Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam — account for a significant portion of US solar cell and module imports. The newly imposed duties include rates of 8.25% for Cambodia, 9.13% for Malaysia, 23.06% for Thailand, and 2.85% for Vietnam. Notably, Hanwha Q Cells Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. will face a higher rate of 14.72%.

The case has generated significant opposition from both foreign manufacturers and domestic renewable developers, who argue that these tariffs could increase the cost of solar projects in the US and slow the country's energy transition. Chinese officials have also expressed concerns that the tariffs could unfairly benefit larger US manufacturers.

The final decision on these duties is expected next spring, which could result in further rate adjustments. The Commerce Department is also investigating allegations of solar dumping and expects to issue a preliminary ruling on that case in November.

Source: energyconnects.com