Uncle Sam Taxes Indonesian Solar for Unfair Gov't Handouts
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Indonesian makers of solar cells got unfair government help from January to December 2024. Because of this, extra taxes (called countervailing duties) will be added to these solar cells starting September 16, 2026. This means U.S. buyers might pay more, and Indonesian exporters will face new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Countervailing Duties Begin September 16, 2026
The Department of Commerce determined that Indonesian solar cells received countervailable subsidies and countervailing duties will be applied to imports of those solar cells effective September 16, 2026. If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) subsequently finds injury, Commerce will issue a CVD order that triggers assessment of duties and cash deposits at the rates announced.
Very Large Duty Rates Announced
Commerce calculated countervailable subsidy rates for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 of 173.70 percent ad valorem for PT Blue Sky Solar Indonesia, 73.20 percent ad valorem for PT REC Solar Energy Indonesia, and 73.20 percent ad valorem for all other producers/exporters. These percentages are the estimated duty rates that would be applied if a CVD order is issued.
Retroactive Suspension and Deposit Dates
Commerce instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and collect cash deposits for REC Solar entries entered on or after February 26, 2026, and for PT Blue Sky Solar Indonesia and all other producers/exporters entered on or after November 28, 2025. Provisional measures were discontinued on June 26, 2026, but suspension of liquidation remains for entries on or before June 25, 2026.
ITC Will Decide Injury Within 45 Days
Commerce notified the U.S. International Trade Commission of its final affirmative determination; the ITC will make a final injury determination no later than 45 days after this final determination. If the ITC finds material injury or threat of injury, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order and require cash deposits of the estimated duties.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18939, Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From Indonesia: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that solar cells from Indonesia are being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. Starting September 16, 2026, extra duties will apply to these imports to protect American businesses. This means companies importing these solar cells should expect changes in costs and rules soon.
Next: 2026-18941, Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances, in Part
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that solar cells from Laos are being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. This means importers of these solar cells might face extra duties starting September 16, 2026, to keep things fair for American businesses. If you’re involved in importing or selling these solar cells, get ready for some changes that could affect costs and timing.