By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Washington: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched an investigation into Indian solar manufacturer Waaree Energies over allegations that the company evaded tariffs on Chinese-made solar cells and panels by falsely labelling them as made in India.
Suspicion of mislabelling
In a memo sent to attorneys representing Waaree and the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, CBP said it had found “reasonable suspicion” that the company failed to properly declare some of its imported products. These goods may have been subject to long-standing antidumping and countervailing duties imposed on Chinese solar equipment.
As a precaution, U.S. officials have begun requiring cash deposits from Waaree to safeguard federal revenues while the probe continues.
Tariffs and shifting supply chains
The United States has levied tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels for over a decade to counter unfair trade practices. In recent years, those duties were extended to imports from Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, which had become key suppliers.
In the aftermath, Indian exports of solar panels to the U.S. have grown rapidly, raising concerns from domestic manufacturers about potential tariff circumvention.
Industry reaction
The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, a coalition of U.S. solar producers including Qcells (a division of South Korea’s Hanwha Corp) and First Solar, welcomed the CBP’s action.
“Indian solar products have been among the lowest prices in the market, and now we know why that’s possible: by using Chinese cells and not paying the duties that apply to them,” said Tim Brightbill, the group’s attorney.
Pending request for wider tariffs
Earlier this year, the Alliance also urged the U.S. Commerce Department to extend antidumping and countervailing tariffs to imports from India, Indonesia and Laos. The latest probe into Waaree could strengthen calls for broader trade restrictions on South Asian solar equipment.
Waaree’s response
Neither Waaree Energies nor its representatives have issued a formal statement. An attorney for the company declined immediate comment, while a spokesperson could not be reached outside regular business hours.
The investigation comes at a crucial moment for the U.S. solar sector, which is seeking to expand domestic production under federal clean energy incentives while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The outcome of the Waaree case may shape future trade policy towards Indian solar exports.
