US Finds 117.4 Percent 'Countervailable Subsidies' on Chinese Solar Cell Imports, Plans Matching Duties

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has concluded that Chinese manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) cells received 'countervailable subsidies' of up to 117.41 percent, prompting Washington to move towards imposing equivalent import duties on the products.

The final ruling, published on January 27, follows a preliminary investigation launched in 2022 into cell manufacturing practices in China. The preliminary findings were released in April 2025.

According to the DOC, the subsidies were provided by the Chinese government to manufacturers of crystalline silicon PV cells, whether or not the cells were assembled into solar modules, broadening the scope of the potential duties.

The investigation initially identified Changzhou Zhaojing Light Energy, Jiangsu Highhope, and Yangzhou Jingua New Energy Technology as beneficiaries of government support. However, in its final determination, the DOC replaced Changzhou Zhaojing Light Energy with its “unaffiliated exporter,” Yingli Energy China.

As a result, Yingli Energy China, Jiangsu Highhope, and Yangzhou Jingua New Energy Technology were assigned subsidy rates of 117.41 percent.

In addition, the DOC determined that several other companies, including subsidiaries of Trina Solar, received an average subsidy rate of 9.07 percent.

The ruling marks a significant step in US trade enforcement against what it views as unfair state-backed support for China’s solar manufacturing sector. It also increases the likelihood of higher tariffs on Chinese solar cell imports entering the US market.

The decision could have implications for global solar supply chains, particularly as the US continues efforts to expand domestic solar manufacturing under industrial policy and trade protection measures.