U.S. Solar Panel Makers Seek Retroactive Duties on Vietnam and Thailand Imports

A group of U.S. solar panel manufacturers has requested the Commerce Department to impose retroactive duties on imports from Vietnam and Thailand due to alleged unfair trade practices. Investigations initiated in May focus on solar cells and panels from several Southeast Asian countries accused of benefiting from Chinese subsidies.

U.S. solar panel manufacturers have called on the Commerce Department to retroactively impose duties on imports from Vietnam and Thailand, citing a surge in shipments amidst ongoing investigations into alleged unfair trading practices.

Launched in May, the probes examine silicon solar cells and panels produced in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia, with U.S. manufacturers claiming these products are being sold at unfairly low prices thanks to Chinese subsidies. Last year, these four Southeast Asian countries accounted for nearly 80% of U.S. solar imports, as per trade data.

President Joe Biden's administration aims to bolster American manufacturing, particularly in clean energy. However, the domestic solar sector struggles to compete with low-priced imports. The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee reported significant shipment increases from Vietnam and Thailand as trade probe speculations grew. Higher tariffs could be imposed as early as June if initial findings confirm unfair practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)