1. USITC and Commerce Dept. are investigating claims of dumping of silicon solar cells and panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam into the U.S. market.
2. This is the second investigation into the exporting practices of solar cell manufacturers in Southeast Asia, following the extension of AD/CVD to Chinese manufacturers in the region in August 2023.
3. American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, represented by Wiley Rein LLP, filed the petition, with members such as First Solar, Mission Solar, Qcells, Meyer Burger, REC Silicon, and Swift Solar. NextEra Energy, Canadian Solar, and Illuminate USA submitted official comments on the case.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and the Dept. of Commerce are investigating claims made by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee regarding the dumping of silicon solar cells and panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam into the U.S. market. This follows a previous investigation into Chinese solar manufacturers in Southeast Asia. Chinese companies using non-Chinese wafers or certain solar components to avoid duties are being scrutinized for potential unfair trade practices.
The committee, consisting of members such as First Solar, Mission Solar, Qcells, and Convalt Energy, filed an antidumping/countervailing duty (AD/CVD) petition last month. However, Convalt Energy has since been removed as a committee member. The committee, represented by D.C. law firm Wiley Rein LLP, contends that the influx of imported silicon cells is harming domestic manufacturing.
Entities like NextEra Energy, Canadian Solar, and Illuminate USA provided input during the USITC comment period. NextEra focused on the lack of representation from the domestic silicon manufacturing industry within the committee, while Canadian Solar called out Qcells as primarily a foreign producer and importer.
The USITC heard testimony on May 15 from various participants, including BYD, Trina Solar, and the American Clean Power Association. The investigation could result in duties being imposed based on the determination of material injury or threat of injury to domestic producers. A preliminary determination is expected by mid-June, with a final decision likely in spring 2025.