US Solar Industry Takes Action Against Unfair Trade Practices in Southeast Asia

 

In a move aimed at safeguarding the interests of the US solar industry, a coalition of American solar manufacturers has filed an antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) petition against solar cells and panels originating from Southeast Asia. The petition, submitted to both the US Department of Commerce (DOC) and the International Trade Commission (ITC), alleges potentially illegal trade practices by manufacturers in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Led by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, the coalition includes major industry players such as Qcells, Meyer Burger, REC Silicon, and First Solar, along with smaller companies like Convalt Energy. The petition asserts that these manufacturers are engaging in unfair trade practices that are harming the US solar industry.

The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the circumvention of US trade tariffs on Chinese products. In a related development, the DOC previously found five manufacturers guilty of such practices, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues. 

Tim Brightbill, co-chair of Wiley Rein LLP International Trade Practice and lead counsel to the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, emphasized the importance of enforcing rules and remedying the injury to the domestic solar industry. He stated, "America’s solar manufacturing industry is on the cusp of tremendous growth that will create jobs and change the trajectory of our clean energy transition for decades to come. However, this manufacturing renaissance is being threatened by China’s industrial policy, which has led to massive subsidization in China and Southeast Asia." 

With the DOC now having 20 days to determine whether to initiate an investigation, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of the solar industry in the US and beyond. As the solar industry continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace that supports innovation, investment, and job creation.