SEOUL, July 18 (AJP) - A coalition of solar manufacturers, including Hanwha Q Cells and First Solar, petitioned the U.S. Commerce Department on Friday to impose tariffs on solar panels imported from Indonesia, India and Laos, accusing Chinese-owned firms of circumventing existing trade restrictions by routing products through third countries.
The petition, filed by the American Solar Manufacturing and Trade Coalition, alleges that Chinese manufacturers are exploiting lower-cost production facilities in the three countries to flood the U.S. market with underpriced solar panels, undermining domestic producers.
The move comes just a year after a similar petition led to new tariffs on solar imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Following that decision, imports from Indonesia and Laos surged, filling the gap left by the newly restricted countries.
The case underscores the ongoing volatility in the global solar supply chain and the intensifying trade tensions between the United States and China.
While the companies at the center of the complaint are based in Indonesia, India and Laos, the petition claims they are ultimately owned or controlled by Chinese parent firms, which are seeking to evade existing U.S. tariffs.
“The domestic industry continues to be harmed by dumped and subsidized solar products entering through alternative channels,” the coalition said in a statement. “These measures are necessary to level the playing field.”
If the Commerce Department agrees to initiate an investigation, it could result in new anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar products from the three nations, potentially reshaping sourcing strategies for U.S. solar developers and installers.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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