US hits Southeast Asian solar with major trade duties

The US Commerce Department has finalized tariffs on solar panels and cells from Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This decision came after a year-long investigation. The probe was initiated by Hanwha Qcells, First Solar, and other US manufacturers. They claimed that Chinese firms operating in Southeast Asia sold products at unfairly low prices. They also said these companies received improper subsidies. Dumping duties ranged from 6.1% to 271.28%, while countervailing duties reached 3.403.96%, varying by company and country. The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee led the complaint. Final implementation of the tariffs depends on a June vote by the US International Trade Commission to determine whether the imports materially harmed domestic industry.