U.S. to Implement Tariffs Over 3,000% on Southeast Asian Solar Cells

The U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized tariffs up to 3,403.96% on solar cells and panels from Chinese-owned factories in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, following an antidumping and countervailing duties investigation.

Tariffs are set to vary significantly, with Cambodia facing up to 3,521%, Thailand at 799.55%, Vietnam at 542.64%, and Malaysia at 168.80%. These measures, aimed at countering subsidized imports, could increase costs for U.S. solar producers dependent on these cells, potentially hindering the growth of renewable energy. The International Trade Commission will vote in June 2025 to decide whether the tariffs will be implemented, based on the impact on U.S. industry.

Key Points

Scope of Tariffs: The tariffs vary significantly depending on the country of origin:

• Cambodia: Up to 3,521.14%
• Thailand: Up to 972.23%
• Vietnam: Up to 813.92%
• Malaysia: Up to 250.04%

These countries collectively accounted for over 75% of U.S. solar module imports last year .​

Allegations Against Chinese Companies: U.S. authorities claim Chinese companies operating in Southeast Asia sell solar components below market rates and benefit from unfair subsidies, harming U.S. manufacturers and workers.

Industry Response: The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee supports the tariffs, describing them as a victory for the U.S. solar industry and accusing Chinese firms of cheating the system.

The primary reason behind these tariffs is to address alleged unfair trade practices by Chinese-owned factories operating in Southeast Asia. U.S. authorities claim that these factories sell solar cells and panels below market value and benefit from government subsidies, creating an uneven playing field that harms American manufacturers and workers. The tariffs aim to counteract these practices and protect the U.S. solar industry from what is considered unfair competition. By imposing these duties, the U.S. intends to prevent the circumvention of existing tariffs on Chinese products and ensure fairer market conditions for domestic producers.