“Bring me tariffs!” U.S. Solar Industry Braces After ITC Ruling

Friday the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued its decision finding “a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry” due to dumping of low cost Chinese solar panels in the U.S. market. By the “domestic industry” the ITC means U.S. solar manufacturers, frustratingly they continue to ignore the implications of this decision on the rest of the domestic solar industry.

Solar business owners remain on edge for potential tariffs which may follow, raising prices of solar panels. The change in cost means a change in the economics of a solar deal, making it even harder to close deals and stay in business.

HeatSpring has asked solar business expert Keith Cronin to discuss this decision in his free course the topic: What is the best way to position your business in light of this news?

In August President Trump demanded his staff draw up a plan for tariffs that would affect China, as reported by Axios. “So, John, I want you to know, this is my view. I want tariffs. And I want someone to bring me some tariffs,” Axios quotes the president as saying to John Kelly, his chief of staff.

The ITC will now enter the remedy phase and public hearings will on October 3. The president will receive the ITC’s recommendation for action by Nov. 13, and he has 60 days to act.

If you are interested in digging deeper on the ITC decision, I recommend starting here:

• https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2017/er0922ll832.htm
• https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/09/u-s-international-trade-commission-finds-suniva-solarworld-suffer-injury-imported-solar-cells/
• https://cleantechnica.com/2017/09/25/us-solar-industry-reacts-angrily-disappointed-itcs-anti-solar-trade-decision/
• http://www.insidesources.com/itc-ruling-suniva-and-solarworld-could-slow-solar-growth/
• http://www.utilitydive.com/news/solar-sector-steels-for-tariff-fight-after-itc-harm-ruling/505668/