On May 20, the U.S. International Trade Commission paved the way for the Commerce Department to enforce anti-dumping tariffs on solar imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The ITC vote validates concerns voiced by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing (AASM) Trade Committee in 2024 regarding steeply discounted solar panels manufactured in, and then exported from Southeast Asia to the United States. The AASM wants the ITC to finalize and publish the ruling by June 2, 2025, to prevent untaxed imports already in storage from entering the market.
While the determination is considered a "win" for American manufacturers, others within the solar industry are less enthusiastic, arguing that the tariffs will increase project costs. The bigger question, however, is: What do you think you should be aware of right now? Understanding the factors and action items below is critical for navigating the evolving solar landscape.
What's at stake
The expanded scope of tariffs now includes:
- Solar panels
- Inverters
- Battery storage systems
What you can expect
There will be near-term supply disruptions such as:
- Tightening of inventory
- Delayed shipments
- Longer project lead times
Action items
If you have not already done so, it is very important that you begin implementing the following practices in your business.
Broaden your supply network
Reverse-engineer your timelines to uncover and address procurement bottlenecks now.
Review contracts to strengthen language that protects you from tariff-related financial risks.
Prioritize partnerships with manufacturers who have U.S. facilities or diversified, tariff-exempt sourcing strategies.
Stay informed about compliance obligations and tariff developments to effectively manage operational and cost risks.
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