U.S. Imposes New Tariffs on Southeast Asian Solar Imports

The United States has imposed new tariffs on solar panels imported from Southeast Asia, specifically targeting Chinese companies with factories in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Last year, Korean firm Hanwha Qcells and U.S.-based First Solar Inc., alongside several smaller companies, filed a complaint arguing that Chinese-owned factories abroad were selling cells below production cost and receiving subsidies, putting U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage. The newly announced tariffs, unveiled on Monday, exceed the preliminary levies imposed late last year. The decision has raised concerns about the impact on the U.S. solar industry and billions of dollars in investments. Will this decision spark a trade war between the U.S. and China in the renewable energy sector?