US Department of Commerce's Move on Chinese Photovoltaic Duties Sparks Market Reactions

27 Mar.,2025

In a significant development that has caught the attention of the global photovoltaic industry, the US Department of Commerce is mulling over the partial repeal of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain small, low-wattage, off-grid crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from China. This move, which was initiated on October 21st as per the official notice in the US Federal Register, has

 

In a significant development that has caught the attention of the global photovoltaic industry, the US Department of Commerce is mulling over the partial repeal of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain small, low-wattage, off-grid crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from China. This move, which was initiated on October 21st as per the official notice in the US Federal Register, has sent ripples through the market, being widely perceived as a positive signal.

The products in question are specific types of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells that have certain characteristics such as being small in size, having a low wattage, and being designed for off-grid use. These are not the mainstream, high-capacity photovoltaic products but still hold significance in certain niche markets and applications.

A 14-day public comment period has been set by the US Department of Commerce, during which relevant parties are invited to express their views. As of now, there is no opposition from the US side, indicating a likelihood that the proposal could be adopted if the process goes smoothly. This development comes after a long history of trade tensions between the US and China in the photovoltaic sector, with the US having imposed these duties back in 2012.

In China, the domestic photovoltaic market has also been experiencing interesting developments. Frequent updates regarding domestic photovoltaic policies have contributed to a rebound in the market performance. These policies are aimed at promoting the growth and development of the photovoltaic industry, encouraging innovation, and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic photovoltaic enterprises.

Moreover, the approaching dry season for production has added another layer of complexity to the market. On one hand, the dry season may pose challenges in terms of resource availability for production. However, it has also led to a slight increase in spot prices, as the supply and demand dynamics are affected. This has further fueled the optimism in the market and has investors and industry players closely watching the developments.

Market analysts believe that the US Department of Commerce's potential partial repeal of duties could open up new opportunities for Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers in the US market. It could also have a positive impact on the global photovoltaic supply chain, as China is a major player in the production of photovoltaic cells. However, uncertainties still remain, and the final outcome will depend on various factors such as the feedback received during the public comment period and the overall trade relationship between the two countries.

As the industry awaits the final decision from the US Department of Commerce, the photovoltaic sector is bracing for potential changes that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the global photovoltaic market.