U.S. Solar Panel Makers Push for Retroactive Duties on Vietnam and Thailand

U.S. solar panel manufacturers are requesting the Commerce Department impose retroactive duties on imports from Vietnam and Thailand due to alleged unfair trade practices. Investigations started in May could lead to high tariffs by July if initial findings confirm the allegations. Southeast Asia constitutes a significant portion of U.S. solar imports.

A group of U.S. solar panel manufacturers has urged the Commerce Department to consider imposing retroactive duties on imports from Vietnam and Thailand, citing a surge in imports amid ongoing investigations into alleged unfair trade practices. The probes, initiated in May, focus on silicon solar cells and panels produced in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Domestic manufacturers allege these products are sold at unreasonably low prices and benefit from Chinese subsidies.

According to U.S. trade data reviewed by Reuters, nearly 80% of U.S. solar imports last year came from the four Southeast Asian nations. President Joe Biden has committed to bolstering American manufacturing, including providing incentives for domestic production of solar panels to combat climate change. Small U.S. solar firms struggle to compete with low-cost imports.

The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing trade committee argues that exports from Vietnam and Thailand surged as speculation about trade probes spread. This rise led to a complaint filed with the Commerce Department, seeking the imposition of tariffs as early as July. Vietnam faces higher risks due to being considered a non-market economy, with higher potential tariffs based on significant estimated dumping margins.

(With inputs from agencies.)