The duty saga continues, with the announcement of yet another sting on imports of merchandise coming directly or indirectly from China.
The US administration has announced a tough commercial crackdown on solar panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. This measure is designed to hit Chinese companies accused of evading duties by triangulating with these countries.
The tariffs announced by the Department of Commerce range from 34.4% for Malaysian products to 651.85% for those from Cambodia. However, at least two Cambodian companies, Hounen Solar and Solar Long PV-Tech, are to be charged 3521% customs duties.
In Thailand, levies for Sunshine Electrical and Taihua New Energy will rise to 972%. In Vietnam, manufacturers such as GEP New Energy and HT Solar will face +800% tariffs , while Baojia New Energy in Malaysia will be subjected a 250% increase.
The measure will not come into force immediately. It is subject to the verdict of the International Trade Commission (ITC) expected in May.
Translation by Giles Foster