US solar panel makers seek tariff probe on Ethiopia

• Ethiopia emerged as the No. 7 U.S. solar importer in 2025, with imports reaching $300 million by year-end despite zero imports before mid-2025
• The petitioning group includes First Solar and Qcells, companies that have invested billions in U.S. manufacturing facilities and employ thousands
• The U.S. has maintained anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar products for a decade and has expanded enforcement to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam as Chinese firms relocated production

U.S. Solar Panel Makers Request Tariff Investigation on Ethiopian Imports

A coalition of U.S. solar panel manufacturers has petitioned the Department of Commerce to investigate solar shipments from Ethiopia, alleging Chinese companies are circumventing existing import tariffs through minimal processing in the African nation.

Key Players and Allegations:

The petitioning group includes major manufacturers First Solar Inc. (Arizona-based) and Qcells (Hanwha's solar unit), along with six smaller producers. They allege that companies Toyo and Origin Solar Manufacturing are using Chinese-made wafers to produce solar cells in Ethiopia, then assembling panels there or elsewhere for U.S. export—a practice illegal under tariff circumvention rules.

Market Data:

Ethiopia has rapidly emerged as a significant solar exporter to the U.S. The country sent zero solar imports to America until mid-2025, but shipments reached $300 million by year-end, making Ethiopia the No. 7 U.S. solar importer. This dramatic rise mirrors patterns previously seen in other countries.

Historical Context:

The U.S. has maintained anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese solar products for a decade, following findings that Chinese manufacturers received unfair government subsidies. Similar duties have been imposed on imports from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam after Chinese firms relocated operations to those nations.

Industry Implications:

Lead attorney Tim Brightbill characterized Ethiopia's situation as following a "familiar playbook" of tariff evasion. With billions invested in domestic solar manufacturing and thousands of jobs created, U.S. producers are pushing back against what they view as systematic circumvention undermining their competitiveness. The outcome could reshape solar supply chains and impact pricing for the growing U.S. solar market.