Laos solar panels taxed over unfair government subsidies
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that solar cell makers in Laos are getting unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes on these products starting September 16, 2026. This means U.S. solar businesses get a fairer chance, and importers will pay more when bringing these solar cells into the country. The changes cover products made or assembled in Laos during 2024.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Very High Countervailing Duty Rates
Commerce found countervailable subsidies for solar cells from Laos and set estimated ad valorem subsidy rates of 82.03% for Solarspace Technology (Laos) Sole Co. Ltd., 153.67% for Vietnam Sunergy Joint Stock Company (VSUN) (based on facts available with adverse inferences), and 82.03% for all other producers and exporters. If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) later finds injury, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order and require cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties in these amounts.
Retroactive Suspension for VSUN and Others
Commerce found critical circumstances for VSUN and all other producers/exporters (but not Solarspace Laos) and will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries of subject merchandise from VSUN and all others that were entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after November 28, 2025 (90 days before the Preliminary Determination). Those suspended entries may be subject to assessment of the duties noted above if the ITC issues a final affirmative injury determination.
Solarspace Laos Exempt From Retroactive Rule
Commerce determined that critical circumstances do not exist for Solarspace Technology (Laos) Sole Co. Ltd., so the retroactive suspension of liquidation to November 28, 2025 does not apply to entries of subject merchandise from Solarspace Laos. Suspension of liquidation requirements described for retroactive entries therefore do not affect Solarspace Laos entries for that period.
Narrow Product Scope and Many Exclusions
The investigation covers crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells (cells ≥20 micrometers and associated modules/laminates/panels) with many specific exclusions for defined small/off‑grid panels, consumer goods with integrated cells, and other narrowly described products. The notice lists relevant HTSUS subheadings including 8541.42.0010 and 8541.43.0010 for convenience.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-18945, Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules From India: 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 India are being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. Starting September 16, 2026, this means importers might face extra duties to keep things fair for American businesses. This decision covers sales from July 2024 to June 2025 and aims to protect the U.S. solar market from unfair pricing.