The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened a country-wide probe into solar cells and modules imported from Ethiopia. The move follows a May 2026 petition by U.S. manufacturers alleging circumvention of duties on Chinese products.
The petition was filed by eight U.S. solar manufacturers, including First Solar, Qcells, and Suniva. It names two Ethiopian firms, Toyo Solar Manufacturing and Origin Solar Manufacturing, which are said to process Chinese wafers into cells and modules. About 70 percent of the goods are claimed to contain tariffed Chinese components.
U.S. imports of Ethiopian solar products rose from near zero before July 2025 to $277 million by the end of that year. The increase continued through 2026. Tim Brightbill, lead counsel for the petitioners, stated that the investigation signals a firm stance against repeated circumvention of trade laws.
The named Ethiopian companies have disputed the claims and provided information asserting compliance with regulations. The Department of Commerce expects a preliminary determination on December 10, 2026, and a final ruling by May 10, 2027. This marks the fifth such inquiry into solar tariff evasion.
