According to Bloomberg, this is the result of a year-long trade investigation, initiated during the time of former US President Joe Biden, at the request of domestic solar power producers.
The new tax rates include anti-dumping and anti-subsidy taxes, which are aimed at dealing with Southeast Asian manufacturers accused of receiving unfair subsidies from the government and selling products below production costs.
The applicable tax rate varies between businesses and countries, with the lowest rate belonging to Jinko Solar from Malaysia at 41.56%. In contrast, Trina Solar from Thailand is subject to a tax rate of more than 375%. Notably, products from Cambodia will be subject to the highest tax rate, up to more than 3,500%, as the country's producers have refused to cooperate in the investigation.
These tariffs will be added to the broader tariff system established by the Trump administration, which has disrupted global supply chains and markets.
The total value of solar energy devices imported by the US from four Southeast Asian countries last year was 12.9 billion USD, accounting for about 77% of the country's total imports of modules.
Although the decision to increase taxes brings advantages to domestic producers, it also causes many concerns in the clean energy industry. Many experts and organizations, including the solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), have warned that increasing taxes will push up prices of solar equipment, making it difficult for installation projects and slowing down the development of the renewable energy sector.
To complete the tax process, the US International Trade Commission will conduct a vote in June to determine whether the domestic industry will actually suffer significant losses from imports of products accused of being sold at a wholesale and subsidized.
In the context of the Trump administration stepping up support for the fossil fuel industry and reducing preferential policies for renewable energy, this tax increase is considered a new shock for the domestic clean energy industry, which is facing many challenges from policies and economic fluctuations.
