US tariffs slapped on imported solar panels and washing machines

President Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines to benefit American manufactures, creating a divide in US solar cell companies. Some support tariffs, but most believe the measure will cost jobs and progress for renewable energy.

First Look

President Trump is signing a measure Tuesday imposing tariffs on imported solar-energy components and large washing machines in a bid to help United States manufacturers.

The administration says the decision is part of Mr. Trump's pledge to put American companies and jobs first.

The administration is imposing 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.

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

The Republican's decision followed recommendations for tariffs by the US International Trade Commission.

"The president's action makes clear again that the Trump administration will always defend American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses in this regard," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement announcing the decision.

Not everyone agrees the move will work in favor of Americans, including Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse (R) who says his fellow Republicans need to understand that tariffs are a tax on consumers.

"Moms and dads shopping on a budget for a new washing machine will pay for this – not big companies," Senator Sasse said in a statement.

China accused Trump of jeopardizing the multilateral trading system by taking action on complaints under US law instead of through the World Trade Organization.

"The US side once again abused its trade remedy measures," said a Commerce Ministry statement. "China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with this."

Mexico said Trump's decision not to exclude it from the measures was "regrettable."

"Mexico will use all available legal resources in response to the US decision to apply protections on Mexican washing machines and solar panels," its Economy Department said in a statement.

The US solar industry was split over the trade barriers.

The tariffs were sought last year by Suniva Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and the US subsidiary of Germany's SolarWorld.

They said that a nearly 500 percent increase in imported solar panels over five years led to a ruinous price collapse. Nearly 30 US solar-manufacturing facilities had closed in the past five years, they said, as China plotted to flood the global market with cheap products to weaken US manufacturing.

Suniva spokesman Mark Paustenbach called tariffs "a step forward for this high-tech solar-manufacturing industry we pioneered right here in America."

However, solar installers and manufacturers of other equipment used to run solar-power systems opposed tariffs, which they said will raise their prices and hurt demand for the renewable energy.

The Solar Energy Industries Association, which represents installation companies, said billions of dollars of solar investment will be delayed or canceled, leading to the loss of 23,000 jobs this year.

Mark Bortman, founder of Exact Solar in Philadelphia, said the prospect of tariffs, since the trade commission recommended them in October, had already caused him to delay hiring and expansion plans.

"Solar is really just starting to take off because it is truly a win-win-win situation" for consumers, workers, and the environment, he said. "Tariffs would really be shooting ourselves in the foot."

The case for tariffs on washing machines was pushed by Whirlpool Corp. based in Benton Harbor, Mich. The company's chairman, Jeff Fettig, said tariffs on imported machines would create new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

"This is a victory for American workers and consumers alike," Mr. Fettig said. "By enforcing our existing trade laws, Trump has ensured American workers will compete on a level playing field with their foreign counterparts."

Suniva, SolarWorld, and Whirlpool were helped by a 1974 trade law that lets companies seek trade protection if they can show damage from a rise in imports.

Up to certain levels, imports of solar cells will be exempt from the tariff, while the first 1.2 million imported large washing machines will get a lower tariff, peaking at 20 percent.

Congress has no authority to change or veto Trump's decision. Countries affected by the decision can appeal to the World Trade Organization.

This story was reported by The Associated Press.