US Announces Tariffs Up to 3,521% on Southeast Asia Solar Imports

The US Commerce Department has announced steep new tariffs—up to 3,521%—on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand following a year-long investigation into alleged unfair trade practices and Chinese transnational subsidies. These antidumping and countervailing duties, which vary widely by company and country, aim to counteract what US authorities describe as unfairly low-priced, subsidized imports that harm American manufacturers. The move, prompted by petitions from the US solar manufacturing industry, is viewed as a decisive win for domestic producers but raises concerns about increased costs and uncertainty for US renewable energy developers reliant on affordable foreign solar equipment. The tariffs come on top of previous duties imposed by the Trump administration and await a final injury determination from the US International Trade Commission. While industry advocates argue the tariffs will level the playing field and protect American jobs, critics warn they may further complicate efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure in the US.