Importing solar from China to United States

What to check

• Section 301 adds 50% to Chinese solar cells and to modules made with them.
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are set producer by producer. Ask your broker for the cash-deposit rate of the exact factory before you sign.
• A Section 232 tariff on polysilicon-based products and a minimum import price for modules were announced to start on 4 December 2026.
• Customs can hold goods under the forced-labour law (UFLPA) until you prove where the polysilicon came from. Ask the supplier for full traceability documents.
• Non-EV lithium-ion batteries from China pay a 25% Section 301 tariff since 1 January 2026.
• China ended the 9% export VAT rebate on solar panels from 1 April 2026 and cut it for batteries, so FOB prices rose a little for every market.

Our advice: For most US buyers, panels made in China rarely make sense today. Batteries and inverters still do, with the right paperwork.

Suppliers to start with

Need help? We can get quotes, check the factory and inspect the goods before they ship.

Sources

• Freight Right: new US polysilicon and solar tariffs
• FreightFigures: Section 232 on modules from 4 December 2026

Checked in November 2026. Rates change often: confirm the duty for your HS code with a customs broker before you pay. This is not legal or tax advice.

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