The United States reviews mid-term safeguard measures against solar batteries
On June 8, 2023, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) issued a notice to conduct a mid-term review of safeguard measures on photovoltaic cell products, partially or completely installed or not. on other products (collectively referred to as “solar cells”) to assess changes in the US domestic industry after the measure is applied. On that basis, if necessary, USITC can propose changes to measures.
Some information related to the case is as follows:
1. US safeguard measures against imported solar batteries
In February 2018, the United States issued an order to impose safeguard duties on imported solar batteries, in the form of tariff quotas. The measure is valid for 4 years.
In February 2022, US President Joe Biden decided to continue extending the above safeguard measure for another 4 years. Specifically, the United States applies a form of tariff quota, the quota is 5 gigawatts (doubled compared to the original measure). Imported products within the quota are still not subject to safeguard duties, only subject to import tax according to the current US tariff (currently 0%). Imported products outside the quota are subject to a safeguard tax of 14.75% for the first year (reduced by 0.25% compared to the original measure) and will gradually decrease over the following years (each year decreases by 0.25%). % compared to the previous year's tax rate), in addition to the current import tax. The measure is valid for 4 years.
2. Some further processes and procedures need to be noted
- According to regulations, for safeguard measures that are in effect for more than 3 years, the USITC must conduct a mid-term review and report to the US President and Congress on the adjustment situation of the domestic industry. after the safeguard measure is applied, and can make proposals for adjustments (reduce, change or terminate the measure), if necessary. The above report must be submitted before the mid-term of the measure application period (expected before February 6, 2024).
- Stakeholders who want to participate in the mid-term review must register with USITC within 21 days from the date the review notice is published.
- To prepare for this review report, USITC will hold a hearing at 9:30 a.m. November 14, 2023 (US time). The deadline to register for the hearing is November 7, 2023. Details of the hearing are posted at https://www.usitc.gov/calendarpad/calendar.html.
For further information, please contact: Department of Foreign Trade Remedies, Department of Trade Remedies, Ministry of Industry and Trade, 23 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Specialist in charge: Ha Van Hieu, Phone: 024.7303.7898 (extension 110), Email: hieuhv@moit.gov.vn; ngocny@moit.gov.vn.
Minh Toan
