US to Continue Investigation into Solar Imports from India, Laos, and Indonesia

U.S. International Trade Commission Investigation

• Investigation Initiation: The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted unanimously to investigate whether solar panel imports from India, Laos, and Indonesia are harming domestic manufacturing, a move that could lead to tariffs on these imports.

• Domestic Manufacturers' Concerns: U.S. solar manufacturers argue that Chinese companies operating in these countries benefit from unfair government subsidies, allowing them to sell products below production costs in the U.S. This situation threatens billions of dollars in investments in American solar factories.

Impact of Imports

• Surge in Imports: Imports of solar panels from India, Laos, and Indonesia skyrocketed to $1.6 billion in the previous year, a significant increase from $289 million in 2022. This surge is believed to be a result of imports shifting from countries already facing U.S. tariffs on solar exports.

• Statements from Industry Leaders: Tim Brightbill, representing the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing, emphasized that the ITC's decision validates claims that U.S. manufacturers are being harmed by unfairly traded imports, which are jeopardizing jobs and investments in the U.S. solar sector.

Next Steps in the Investigation

• Ongoing Investigations: The U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations into these imports, with preliminary determinations on countervailing duties expected around October 10 and on antidumping duties anticipated by December 24.