U.S. Solar Manufacturer Wants Tariffs On The Chinese As Punishment For Cyber-Attacks

U.S. Solar Manufacturer Wants Tariffs On The Chinese As Punishment For Cyber-Attacks

The largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S, SolarWorld Americas, argued that the Chinese government was providing subsidies to the local solar manufacturers and allowing them to sell solar panels at lower costs across the world. Due to this solar market, U.S manufacturers are facing financial threat. Reacting to this issue, the Commerce Department imposed taxes on solar panels coming from China. In response to this, Chinese manufacturers moved their supply to countries like Taiwan. Also, according to the Justice Department, Chinese military sources hacked into the SolarWorld’s computers and stole some business files. The Chinese hackers targeted six American companies and four of them reported this issue.

On the other hand, Chinese foreign and defense ministry denied this cyber-crime and claimed that the U.S is doing so to promote this norm against industrial espionage. Chinese government got even with the U.S by imposing its own high import duties on American shipments of polysilicon, a key component in solar panel construction. The subsidized Chinese manufacturers remain competition to the U.S manufactures, whereas for other U.S companies who install and maintain solar systems on homes and businesses, are able to buy cheap solar panels and thus provide good service.

The debate over this issue continues, as some that the U.S should enjoy the cheap solar panels coming from China, while others have advised negotiating a policy compromise through diplomatic channels.