Recent reports indicate that the solar industry may face new tariffs in the near future, potentially impacting supply chains and project timelines. A note from Roth Capital Partners highlighted the possibility of further tariff enforcement, citing upcoming regulatory changes from the Department of Commerce.
Philip Shen, Managing Director at Roth Capital Partners, cautioned that the United States could soon witness another round of tariff-related challenges. According to the note, new antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) cases could be initiated as early as April 25, based on updated regulations.
AD/CVD regulations aim to address situations where imported goods circumvent import duties through practices like dumping in other countries before entering the U.S. Previous AD/CVD proceedings targeted four Southeast Asian countries—Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia—which supplied a significant portion of solar components to the U.S. These countries were accused of potentially harboring products from China that violated trade rules.
The resulting tariffs on these components ranged from 50% to 250% of the product’s cost, leading to market uncertainty and risk. Approximately 20% of utility-scale solar capacity faced delays or cancellations in the first half of 2022 due to these uncertainties. President Biden temporarily halted new solar AD/CVD tariffs for two years in June 2022, a pause set to expire soon.
Roth Capital Partners noted the uncertainty surrounding the potential tariffs in the upcoming case. An industry insider suggested that petitions for AD/CVD cases might be filed shortly after April 25 to ensure preliminary decisions coincide with election season.
The looming prospect of new tariffs has raised concerns among stakeholders in the solar industry. Many fear that additional tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for consumers, and potentially stifle the growth of renewable energy projects across the country.
Industry analysts are closely monitoring developments surrounding the potential tariffs and their potential impact on the solar market. The outcome of the upcoming AD/CVD cases could have far-reaching implications for solar manufacturers, developers, and consumers alike.
In light of these developments, industry stakeholders are calling for clarity and predictability in trade policies to support the continued expansion of solar energy in the United States. Balancing the need for fair trade practices with the goal of advancing renewable energy goals remains a key challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike.