The Trump administration is imposing hefty tariffs on imported solar panels and large residential washing machines, a move that has spread anger across the renewable energy industry abroad while the U.S. claims it will help American manufacturers.
The administration said the move benefits American workers and businesses and makes good on President Donald Trump’s “America First” promise to prioritize the needs of his nation over foreign interests.
“The president’s action makes clear again that the Trump administration will always defend American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses in this regard,” U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said in a statement Monday announcing the regulations.
According to the USTR, foreign solar panels will now face a tariff of 30 percent. Each year, the percentage of the tariff will shrink, eventually reaching 15 percent after four years.
For imported washers, the first 1.2 million units of washers will see tariffs that start at 20 percent. Each year will see a drop of 2 percent, for the next three years. Subsequent imports of finished washers start at tariffs of 50 percent, dropping annually by 5 percent and reaching 40 percent by the third year’s end.
The decision stems from a complaint filed by Georgia-based Suniva Inc., whose majority owner is a Chinese company, and SolarWorld Americas, a subsidiary of German company SolarWorld AG. Under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, the companies alleged “serious injury” from increased imports. The United States International Trade Commission responded by enacting the regulations.
Suniva and SolarWorld Americas have maintained their claims that their business was hurt by environmental regulations and cheap imports from China. Suniva declared bankruptcy last April, while SolarWorld Americas declared itself insolvent last spring.
Since taking office, Trump has said he would take a harder stance on protecting American manufacturers against products made overseas, particularly in China.
According to the USTR, foreign solar panels will now face a tariff of 30 percent. Each year, the percentage of the tariff will shrink, eventually reaching 15 percent after four years.
For imported washers, the first 1.2 million units of washers will see tariffs that start at 20 percent. Each year will see a drop of 2 percent, for the next three years. Subsequent imports of finished washers start at tariffs of 50 percent, dropping annually by 5 percent and reaching 40 percent by the third year’s end.
The decision stems from a complaint filed by Georgia-based Suniva Inc., whose majority owner is a Chinese company, and SolarWorld Americas, a subsidiary of German company SolarWorld AG. Under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, the companies alleged “serious injury” from increased imports. The United States International Trade Commission responded by enacting the regulations.
Suniva and SolarWorld Americas have maintained their claims that their business was hurt by environmental regulations and cheap imports from China. Suniva declared bankruptcy last April, while SolarWorld Americas declared itself insolvent last spring.
Since taking office, Trump has said he would take a harder stance on protecting American manufacturers against products made overseas, particularly in China.
BY
