Solar Manufacturers Seek U.S. Tariff Probe into Korean Imports Over Circumvention Claims

A group of U.S. solar panel manufacturers has formally requested an investigation into solar cell imports from South Korea. The companies allege that South Korean producers are exploiting a loophole to avoid existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.

The petition, filed on June 18 with the Department of Commerce, was submitted by Canadian Solar, SEG, and Heliene. All three companies operate solar panel manufacturing facilities within the United States, positioning them as domestic competitors.

Industry insiders suggest the move is aimed at producers like Hanwha's Qcells, accusing them of using South Korean manufacturing to re-export products to the U.S. market, thereby circumventing long-standing tariffs imposed on Chinese solar products. This action highlights ongoing trade tensions and efforts to protect domestic manufacturing within the renewable energy sector.