New Tariffs Could Reshape Solar Panel Market, Raise Uncertainty for US Projects

Federal trade officials have finalized steep new tariffs on solar components imported from Southeast Asia, concluding a year-long investigation into allegations of unfair pricing and subsidies tied to Chinese-owned manufacturers.

According to The Hill, the decision targets companies operating in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam — countries that supplied the majority of solar products imported into the United States in recent years.

The newly announced tariffs vary significantly by company and country, with some topping 300%.

These final duties are broadly higher than earlier estimates and reflect combined penalties for both dumping and subsidization. Producers that declined to cooperate with the federal investigation now face the highest tariff rates.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) must issue a final ruling in June confirming that the imports harmed domestic manufacturers before federal officials can enforce the tariffs. If the ITC approves the finding, the tariffs will reshape a supply chain that accounted for more than $10 billion in US solar imports last year.

Supporters of the action, led by US-based manufacturers, argue that the move is necessary to protect domestic investments and curb market distortions caused by heavily subsidized foreign production.

Opponents, including downstream solar developers and installers, warn that higher prices could slow project timelines, squeeze margins, and raise costs for panel assembly facilities in the United States that still depend on imported solar cells.

For Maryland, the outcome could affect the availability and cost of solar products at a critical moment. Under Maryland’s renewable energy portfolio standard, 52.5% of the state’s electricity sales must come from renewable energy sources by 2030, including a specific solar carve-out of 14.5%.

Delays in sourcing materials or increased costs from new tariffs could disrupt those efforts, as the compressed supply of low-cost panels could lead to delays or revised procurement strategies for public-sector energy initiatives.