Latest on the theft of Qin photovoltaic panels

Are Chinese solar panels avoiding US tariffs?

A robotic arm works on the production line of solar panels at a factory of Trina Solar Energy Co., in China in January. After a months-long investigation, US officials have preliminarily determined that four Chinese solar panel companies have been avoiding US tariff laws by routing their operations through other Southeast Asian countries.

Will Chinese solar panels go unpunished?

President Joe Biden has ordered that Chinese solar panel manufacturers be exempt from punishments for potential trade violations for the next two years, sidestepping a law Congress passed to protect U.S. workers. Facing paralysis of the U.S. solar industry, this decision was made.

Why are US and China battling over solar panels?

The clash is the latest chapter in a decade-long conflict between the United States and China over the solar industry. In 2012, the United States began imposing duties on Chinese solar panels, arguing that Chinese manufacturers were unfairly selling their products in the United States at prices below the cost of production.

Are there import bans on Chinese solar?

A senior administration official stressed on Friday that there are no import bans in place, adding that tariff orders on Chinese solar companies have been in place since 2012. “Solar installers have 18 months to find new suppliers who are willing and able to show that they’re complying with American trade laws,” the official said.

Which solar companies are not violating US trade rules?

Other companies that were also under investigation — namely New East Solar Cambodia, Hanwha Q CELLS Malaysia, Jinko Solar Malaysia and the Vietnam operations of Boviet Solar — were found not to be violating U.S. trade rules.

Why is the Commerce Department investigating auxin solar?

An investigation was initiated by the Commerce Department after Auxin Solar, a solar panel manufacturer in California, filed a complaint alleging that China was illegally circumventing existing tariffs.