US solar makers seek additional tariffs on panel imports from Asia

Requests by seven panel makers and polysilicon producers raise the prospect of tariffs as high as 271.5% later this year. — Bloomberg

WASHINGTON: Solar manufacturers are asking the US government to slap duties on US$12.5bil of imported equipment from South-East Asia, setting the stage for a sweeping trade probe that threatens to make power projects more expensive.

In petitions filed Wednesday, seven panel makers and polysilicon producers seek trade help to counteract what they say are unfair practices by overseas rivals. Their requests raise the prospect of tariffs as high as 271.5% later this year.