Mexico Slams Donald Trump’s Decision on Solar Panels Tariff

Donald Trump has said the tariffs are going to help U.S. manufacturers. His administration has imposed an immediate tariff of 30 percent on most imported solar modules, with the rate declining before phasing out after four years.

Mexico has stated that it regrets the Donald Trump’s decision not to exclude it from tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels.

According to reports, Mexico says it will “use all available legal resources in response to the U.S. decision.” It says its inclusion in the application of protections is “regrettable” given the U.S. International Trade Commission determined no damage exists to U.S. industry as a consequence of imports of Mexican washing machines.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the tariffs are going to help U.S. manufacturers. His administration has imposed an immediate tariff of 30 percent on most imported solar modules, with the rate declining before phasing out after four years. For large residential washing machines, tariffs will start at up to 50 percent and phase out after three years.

According to the association that represents solar installers, the new decision on solar panels will lead to the delay or cancellation of billions of dollars of investment in solar energy. The Solar Energy Industries Association says the tariff will result in the loss of 23,000 industry jobs this year.

Jeff Fettig Whirlpool chairman said the decision on washing machines will create new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The U.S. solar industry is divided over the issue. Two small subsidiaries of foreign companies that made solar cells in the U.S. favor tariffs, but a larger number of companies that install solar-power systems say their costs will rise and jobs will be lost.

Source: AP