The US Commerce Department has announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on imports of solar panels from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The move comes in response to allegations of subsidies from China and the dumping of unfairly cheap products in the US market.
The proposed levies target companies from these four countries, which are facing varying duties ranging from just over 41% to the highest of 3,521%. Solar equipment exporters in Cambodia face the highest duties due to their lack of cooperation with the Commerce Department investigation. Meanwhile, products made by Chinese manufacturers in Malaysia and Thailand will be subject to some of the lowest tariffs.
The US government agency International Trade Commission is set to reach a final decision on the new tariffs in June. The tariffs are seen as a decisive victory for American manufacturing and are expected to help US solar panel manufacturers. However, they could also lead to extra costs for businesses and consumers who have benefited from cheaper solar products.
The move comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping completed a tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, where he called for cooperation against “unilateral bullying” by the US. The planned tariffs will add to existing levies imposed by the Trump administration, which could reach 245% on some Chinese goods. China has retaliated with its own tariff of 125% on US products, vowing to fight to the end.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygdv47vlzo