US solar tariffs could drive Asia transition boom

A solar panel on display at a home improvement centre in Bangkok. South-East Asia accounted for nearly 80 per cent of US solar panel imports in 2024. - AFP

BANGKOK: Massive planned US duties on solar panels made in South_East Asia could be a chance for the region to ramp up its own long-stalled energy transition, experts say.

Earlier this month, Washington announced plans for hefty duties on solar panels made in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.