Eight U.S. Solar Manufacturers Request Trade Investigation Into Ethiopian Assembly

Eight U.S. solar manufacturing firms filed a request with the Department of Commerce on Tuesday to investigate alleged unfair trade practices by companies assembling solar cells and panels in Ethiopia with components from China. The filing asks officials to examine whether the practices constitute circumvention of existing trade remedies on solar imports from China.

Ethiopia has emerged as one location where solar manufacturing has expanded, often involving Chinese components shipped for final assembly. The petition argues that this model undermines the effectiveness of prior U.S. actions. If officials determine that circumvention is occurring, additional duties could be applied to solar products routed through Ethiopia.

Commerce will review the request to decide whether to initiate a formal investigation. Such reviews typically involve data collection from affected parties, site visits where feasible, and analysis of supply chain documentation. A decision to proceed would open a period for comments and evidence from all sides, including the Ethiopian assemblers and any Chinese suppliers involved.