Initiation Follows Preliminary Review of Alleged Unfair Trade Practices Harming U.S. Manufacturers
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has officially initiated investigations into alleged dumping and illegal subsidies on solar modules following petitions filed last month by the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade. The investigations target trade practices by predominantly Chinese-owned manufacturers operating in Laos and Indonesia, as well as India-headquartered companies.
This action enables America’s solar manufacturing industry, which is undergoing its first major resurgence in decades. With new manufacturing plants set to open in the U.S., the industry is poised to rebuild a domestic supply chain capable of meeting rising demand. This growth is especially urgent as AI and data centers drive record levels of energy consumption, increasing the need for power that is both affordable, speedily deployable, and reliable. Strong enforcement of trade laws safeguards U.S. investments in solar manufacturing and protects American jobs.
“Today’s announcement from the Department of Commerce is a crucial first step toward confirming the core claims of our petition: Chinese-headquartered companies in Laos and Indonesia are dumping illegally subsidized solar products into the U.S. market at artificially low prices, undercutting American workers. Indian companies moved to fill in enforcement gaps after our last petition largely closed off other Southeast Asian routes,” said Tim Brightbill, lead attorney for the Alliance and partner at Wiley Rein. “A strong domestic solar manufacturing industry is essential for U.S. energy independence, meeting surging demand, and keeping utility bills in check. We’re committed to ensuring trade laws are enforced to protect this vital sector and the jobs it supports.”
What Does an Initiation Determination Mean?
Once a petition is filed, the Department of Commerce has 20 days to review it and determine whether it meets the legal requirements to initiate an investigation. During this period, the petitioner may also submit additional comments clarifying the scope of products to be investigated. This initiation determination means that the DOC has determined that the petition meets the necessary criteria, and a formal investigation will be launched.
What Happens Next?
With this initiation, a quasi-judicial process begins. The Department of Commerce will assess whether the imports in question are being dumped or unfairly subsidized, while the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will evaluate whether those imports have caused injury to the U.S. industry. If both agencies make affirmative preliminary and final determinations, duties will be imposed to counteract the unfair trade practices.
Note: Some deadlines below are subject to change.
Anti-Dumping
ITC Preliminary Determination: August 31, 2025
DOC Preliminary Determination: December 4, 2025
DOC Final Determination: February 17, 2026
ITC Final Determination: April 3, 2026
Countervailing Duties
ITC Preliminary Determination: August 31, 2025
DOC Preliminary Determination: October 10, 2025
DOC Final Determinations: December 24, 2025
ITC Final Determinations: February 7, 2026
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The Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade is a coalition of four member and supporter companies calling for the enforcement of U.S. trade laws against foreign entities engaging in illegal practices to protect American jobs, ensure fair market prices, and secure a strong American solar manufacturing industry for generations to come. For more information visit: aasmt.org
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