U.S. Solar Manufacturers Seek Tariffs on Southeast Asian Imports Amid Market Dominance by China

American solar firms, led by Qcells and First Solar, have filed petitions for trade restrictions on imports from four Southeast Asian nations, alleging that these are undercutting the U.S. market.

U.S. solar manufacturers argue that Chinese-owned companies in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are selling solar panels below cost, threatening domestic production.
The Biden administration has been urged to implement tariffs as a response, with a decision expected from the Commerce Department within months.
Despite significant investments in domestic solar manufacturing, U.S. companies struggle to compete with the low prices of imported panels.
The solar industry is divided, with some groups opposing tariffs due to potential market volatility and impact on solar deployment.
The global solar panel supply has surged, leading to a 50% price drop last year and an oversupply in the U.S. market.