Waaree and Premier Energies Stock in Focus: US Solar Panel Makers Push for Tariffs on Imports from India

Leading US solar panel manufacturers have filed petitions demanding tariffs on imports from India, Indonesia and Laos, alleging these products are being unfairly priced due to foreign subsidies and threaten the growth of the domestic solar industry.

US Firms Target Surging Imports to Protect Domestic Solar Capacity

The Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, which includes First Solar, Mission Solar, Talon PV and Qcells, has submitted a request to the US Department of Commerce for anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The move targets $1.6 billion worth of imports in 2024, a steep rise from $289 million in 2022. Petitioners argue that Chinese-owned firms are bypassing existing Southeast Asia tariffs by relocating operations to India, Indonesia and Laos, thus undercutting US prices with subsidised production.

US Manufacturing Growth Under Pressure Despite IRA Boost

Incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act helped boost US solar panel manufacturing to 50 GW in 2025, up from 7 GW in 2020. However, annual demand is projected at 43 GW through 2030. Domestic producers fear that without trade protections, low-cost foreign imports will erode investments and threaten the viability of these new US-based facilities.

Read More: India Achieves 50% Renewable Energy Milestone, Ahead of 2030 Goal: Adani Green, Waaree, NTPC in Focus!

Commerce Department Review and Past Precedents

The Department of Commerce has until August 6, 2025, to decide whether to initiate investigations. If it proceeds, the legal process for applying duties typically takes around 1 year. A previous petition by the same alliance resulted in duties on imports from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia earlier in 2025. With the shift of operations to new countries, US manufacturers are demanding consistent enforcement to preserve fair competition.

India’s Waaree and Premier Energies in Spotlight

Indian solar exporters like Waaree Energies and Premier Energies could face a major impact. Waaree derives nearly 57% of its order book from the US and plans to double its US capacity to 3.2 GW by 2026. Waaree shares fell 2.5% to ₹3,208 on Thursday, while Premier Energies ended steady at ₹1,078.4.

Conclusion

US solar panel manufacturers are escalating trade action to safeguard billions in domestic investments by pushing for duties on imports from India, Indonesia and Laos. The final outcome hinges on the Commerce Department’s decision in the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.