Biden's solar panel supply china dilemma, news by Hebei Longsheng metals
| The U.S. Court of International Trade has ruled in favor of a Trump administration attempt to remove a tariff loophole for bifacial solar panels. The case illustrates the complexity of using the section 201 "safeguarding" tariff rules. U.S. imports of solar panels actually increased by 36.6% in the 12 months to Sept. 30 versus 2017 and by 110.9% year over year. That suggests tariff costs have been passed through to customers. The incoming Biden administration will need to decide whether to keep the duties, designed to encourage U.S. manufacturing, and risk raising the costs of its renewable ambitions to reach carbon neutrality in power generation by 2035. Any "made in America" rules for new renewable energy projects may disadvantage overseas panel suppliers. The largest importer of solar panels to the U.S. by sea in the 12 months to Oct. 31 was LONGi Green Energy with 21,100 TEUs of imports linked to the firm after 22.0% year over year growth in the three months to Oct. 31. That was followed by 8,760 TEUs linked to Hanwha Solutions after growth of 279%. Trina Solar was third but has scaled back shipments recently. By Hebei Longsheng Metals & Minerals Co,. Ltd. |
