The U.S. International Trade Commission said Wednesday that Chinese business practices have been harming the domestic solar industry, meaning that tariffs of roughly 24 to 36 percent on most solar panels imported from China can go forward.
The decision, which comes after several related investigations and rulings beginning more than a year ago, was a victory for the U.S. panel producers who filed the case and have been struggling to survive in a market glutted with cheap Chinese imports.
The case was important for the health of the domestic industry, supporters say, and also for sending a message that the U.S. was willing to enforce its trade laws. Opponents of the action, which include solar developers and installers, have argued that the tariffs would make it more difficult for U.S. companies to do business abroad.