Laos Solar Panels Dumped Cheap, Says Commerce—Duties Incoming
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) determines that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (solar cells), from the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
65% Dumping Margin for Laos Solar Cells
If you import crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from Laos, Commerce determined an estimated weighted-average dumping margin of 65.43% and a cash deposit rate of 65.03% for Solarspace and the Laos‑wide entity for the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025. Commerce assigned the same 65.43% margin and 65.03% cash deposit to JA Solar Vietnam Co. Ltd., Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd., and Trina Solar Science & Technology (Thailand) Company Limited; non‑separate-rate Laotian exporters will be assigned the Laos‑wide rate, and third‑country exporters not listed will receive the rate of the Laotian supplier if an order is issued.
Suspension of Liquidation from April 28, 2026
Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation of all entries of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after April 28, 2026 (the date the Preliminary Determination published). The notice states that if the ITC later finds no injury, duties deposited or securities posted because of the suspension will be refunded or canceled.
Critical Circumstances Finding, In Part
Commerce found that critical circumstances exist for the separate‑rate companies and the Laos‑wide entity, but does not find critical circumstances for Solarspace/SolarSpace Hong Kong, which Commerce treats as a single entity. This determination applies to the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 as the investigation period of interest.
Detailed Product Scope and Exclusions
The investigation covers crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells of thickness equal to or greater than 20 micrometers and many modules, laminates, and panels, but explicitly excludes thin‑film products (amorphous silicon, CdTe, CIGS), cells permanently integrated into a consumer good not exceeding 10,000 mm², and multiple categories of off‑grid or small portable panels that meet specific power, surface area, connector, wire, voltage, and packaging criteria (examples include panels of 100 watts or less, 200 watts or less, or specified surface area ranges such as 3,450 mm² to 33,782 mm² depending on the exclusion). The scope also states that modules produced in a third country from cells produced in a subject country are covered, while modules produced in a subject country from cells produced in a third country are not covered.
ITC 45‑Day Injury Determination Window
The U.S. International Trade Commission will make its final determination on whether the U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by imports of these Laos solar cells no later than 45 days after Commerce's final determination. If the ITC finds material injury, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order and require cash deposits in the amounts indicated; if the ITC finds no injury, the proceeding will be terminated and all estimated duties deposited will be refunded or canceled.
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Key Dates
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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.
Next: 2026-18942, Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules From the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances, in Part
The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) determines that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (solar cells), from the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). The period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.