After three months to consider the USITC’s submission, President Trump elected to implement a tariff-quota on solar cell imports. Following the President’s announcement, stocks in U.S. based companies that could benefit as a result of the tariff imposition on solar equipment experienced an aggressive increase. Conversely, the loss of twenty-three thousand jobs and the delay or elimination of billion-dollar investments seems to be probable.
A Section 201 Solar Flare Up
Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 functions as a strong trade remedy and authorizes
the President to implement trade barriers to protect domestic industries that have been injured or
threatened by an import. Earlier this Sspring, solar cell manufacturer Suniva, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, attributing its financial struggles to increased imports. President Trump’s 2017 trade policy agenda, along with his support for American manufacturing and his want for tariffs, make it
likely some remedy will be imposed on foreign made solar cells and panels.