Up to 3403.96%! US Imposes Massive Tariffs on Southeast Asian Solar Cells

PVTIME – On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced final affirmative determinations in antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into crystalline photovoltaic cells—with or without assembly into modules—from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The rulings conclude a year-long trade probe initiated by the U.S. Solar Manufacturing Trade Coalition, whose members including First Solar and Hanwha Q CELLS alleged that companies in these countries undercut U.S. markets through state subsidies and below-cost pricing, harming domestic solar industries.

According to Commerce’s findings, AD rates for the four nations range from 0% to 271.28%, varying by company and country, while CVD rates span 14.64% to a staggering 3,403.96%, with Cambodia facing the highest penalties. Specific final rates include:

Cambodia faces dumping margins of up to 125.37% and CVD rates of up to 3,403.96%.

Malaysia faces dumping margins of up to 81.24% and CVD rates of up to 168.80%.

Thailand faces dumping margins of up to 202.90% and CVD rates of up to 799.55%.

Vietnam faces dumping margins of up to 271.28%, CVD rates of up to 542.64%.

The tariffs target Southeast Asian suppliers that currently provide approximately 77% of U.S.-imported solar modules, with 2024 exports of solar equipment to the U.S. valued at $12.9 billion. The decision marks a major shift in US trade policy toward renewable energy supply chains, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers while potentially reshaping global solar trade dynamics.