Tariffs could hit India’s USD 1.6 billion solar exports as ITC clears key hurdle

 The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to move forward with an investigation into solar panel imports from India, Laos and Indonesia, a step that could pave the way for punitive tariffs on shipments from these countries, Reuters reported.

The three-member panel’s unanimous decision marks a win for US solar manufacturers, who argue that Chinese-owned companies operating in these markets are benefiting from unfair subsidies and dumping low-cost products in America, undercutting local producers.

“Today’s ITC decision confirms what our petitions allege: US solar manufacturers are being undercut and harmed by unfairly traded imports,” said Tim Brightbill, lead counsel to the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade and partner at Wiley Rein LLP.

The case was brought in July by the alliance, a coalition that includes First Solar and Hanwha’s Qcells. Imports from India, Indonesia and Laos surged to USD 1.6 billion in 2024, up from USD 289 million in 2022, according to the petitioners. Analysts note that part of this flow may have shifted from other Southeast Asian countries already facing US duties.

For India, the probe raises concerns about its expanding solar export market, as domestic manufacturers increasingly supply modules to global projects. The US Department of Commerce will issue preliminary findings on anti-subsidy duties by 10 October and on anti-dumping duties by 24 December.

Industry experts say the outcome could reshape India-US clean energy trade ties, at a time when both nations are trying to deepen collaboration on the renewable energy transition.

(With Reuters input)