Concern aired over solar cell tariffs by US

Move expected to increase inflation and disrupt supply chains, experts point out

The new solar cell tariffs planned by the United States targeting companies from some Asian countries, including China, will increase inflation and consumer prices and disrupt supply chains in the US market, analysts said.

Earlier this month, the US Department of Commerce announced that 21.31 to 271.2 percent tariffs would be imposed on solar cells from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, depending on the manufacturer.

On Dec 11, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, or USTR, announced the doubling of tariff on solar cells imported from China — from 25 to 50 percent — effective Jan 1, 2025.