Biden under pressure over cheap Chinese solar

Scrutiny on manufacturing in Xinjiang could open the door to polysilicon production in other regions as demand surges

Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration to extend protective solar tariffs originally put in place during the Trump presidency and which are due to expire in early 2022. The formal request by two US-based solar manufacturers comes as focus intensifies on the polysilicon output of China’s Xinjiang region, and the factors that allow it to enjoy world-beating production costs. The Section 201 measures provide for an 18pc tariff on imported cells and modules, and were initially sought by Suniva and Auxin Solar earlier this month. But they have been joined quickly by Hanwha Q Cells, LG Electronics USA and Mission Solar Energy. The petitions, made to the US International Trade Commission,