A US solar panel maker is asking federal trade officials to investigate whether to impose tariffs on imports from four Asian countries, arguing that Chinese manufacturers had shifted production to those nations to avoid paying duties.
The petition, filed by San Jose, California-based Auxin Solar with the Department of Commerce on Tuesday, came days after the administration of President Joe Biden extended but eased tariffs on overseas-made solar products, disappointing the small US solar manufacturing industry.
Auxin was among the companies that had sought a tariff extension.
Domestic solar producers in recent years have sought trade remedies repeatedly, saying their products cannot compete with cheaper Asian panels that dominate the market. But US solar trade groups have opposed tariffs because their members – facility developers…
