China's solar power restrictions... US reinstates tariffs on bifacial solar panels

Suspension of Southeast Asia Solar Panel Tariff Exemptions Also Ends

The U.S. government has decided to reinstate tariffs on bifacial solar panels targeting China. Additionally, it will end the tariff exemption on Southeast Asian solar panels from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam to block the rerouted exports of Chinese solar panels to the U.S.

The White House released a press statement containing these details on the 16th (local time).

The U.S. imposes a 14.25% tariff on imported solar panels but had previously granted an exception for bifacial solar panels. However, with the influx of cheap Chinese products into the U.S., the tariff exemption on bifacial solar panels will now be terminated.

The White House explained, "Since the exception was implemented by the previous administration, imports of bifacial panels have surged, now accounting for nearly all solar panels imported. This has weakened the safeguard effect under Section 201 of the Trade Act."

Furthermore, the U.S. will end the temporary tariff exemption on solar panels produced in four Southeast Asian countries?Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia?on July 6. This decision is based on the assessment that Chinese companies are assembling and exporting solar modules from these Southeast Asian countries to circumvent U.S. tariffs.

This measure was announced shortly after the U.S. government significantly raised tariffs on Chinese imports, including doubling tariffs on solar cells, on the 14th. It is a strategic move to effectively block Chinese solar imports from entering the U.S. market.