US President Trump has approved recommendations to impose import tariffs on solar cells and modules. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the decision on its website (as reported). Several companies and organizations announced comments and statements. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) forecasts, that the decision will cause the loss of roughly 23,000 American jobs this year. The President’s decision »is a loss for America.« In addition, Tony Clifford, chief development officer of Standard Solar Inc., says, that it boggles »my mind that this president would voluntarily choose to damage one of the fastest-growing segments of our economy.« This decision »is misguided and denies the reality that bankrupt foreign companies will be the beneficiaries of an American taxpayer bailout.«

Trina Solar Limited »is resolutely opposed« to the US Section 201 investigations and the follow-up harsh tariff measures on imported photovoltaic products. »It is an abuse of trade remedies measures,« says the company. The measures not only give rise to concerns from various trade partners, but are opposed by many US local governments and downstream businesses. »We resolutely request that both Chinese and the US governments conduct conversations in a timely manner to search for solutions and settlement for the sake of mutual benefit.«

US-based REC Silicon ASA, Moses Lake, »strongly believes that a settlement of all solar trade related disputes between the United States and China is the best path forward to preserve, restore and promote US solar manufacturing jobs, reduce the US-China trade deficit as well as promote the health of the broader US solar sector including the burgeoning downstream solar development industry in the United States.« The company urges the Government to pursue negotiations with China as soon as possible to conclude an agreement that addresses these solar related trade disputes.

Cell and panel producer Solarworld Americas Inc., co-petitioner with Suniva Inc. in that case, says, the company »appreciates the hard work of President Trump« in reaching the decision. Juergen Stein, CEO and President of Solarworld Americas, underlines, that the company will work with the US Government« »in the strongest way possible to benefit solar manufacturing and its thousands of American workers to ensure that US solar manufacturing is world-class competitive for the long term.«

US solar panel manufacturer Sunpower Corp. is planning »to ask for an exemption to the 30 percent tariff on imported solar panels«, according to news agency »Bloomberg«. The company that manufactures most of its panels at factories in Asia and Mexico could hire more workers at its headquarters in San Jose, California, and invest in a pilot factory in San Jose if it’s excluded from import duties, »Bloomberg« cites Sunpower CEO Tom Werner.

James Watson, CEO of Solar Power Europe, announced: »Sadly the American government has taken the decision to impose trade measures on solar products, which will inevitably lead to a contraction of the market with its implied loss of jobs.« These policies have been tried in many parts of the world and »in not one case have the measures lead to more jobs, more manufacturing and more value.« Watson expects, that the barriers »slow the energy transition and give highly polluting forms of power generation longer life.«

Sunlink Corporation’s CEO Michael Maulick, issued in a statement that the company is »very disappointed by President Donald Trump’s failure to protect American workers and our country’s growing solar economy.« The decision »will cause harm to the solar industry, impacting thousands of American jobs and stifling clean energy innovation.«

Doran Hole, Renesola's CEO of North America and Group Vice President of Strategy, believes that the US project development industry »has already adjusted to the tariffs, and the impact on growth should be benign.« While higher prices »for the modules we buy are never welcome, the new tariff rate was widely anticipated.«