- A coalition of U.S. solar manufacturers, including First Solar and Qcells, asked the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate solar panel imports from Ethiopia and Vietnam.
- They allege that manufacturers such as Toyo and Origin Solar Manufacturing assemble Chinese-made wafers into panels abroad to avoid anti-dumping tariffs.
- Ethiopia’s solar exports to the U.S. reached USD 300 million in 2025, making it the seventh-largest supplier.
Market Impact:
A U.S. investigation could lead to new duties on Ethiopian-produced solar panels, potentially slowing investment in Ethiopia’s nascent solar manufacturing sector and affecting export revenues.
Key Numbers:
- USD 300 million — value of Ethiopian solar exports to the U.S. in 2025.
- Multiple firms — petitioners include First Solar, Qcells and six smaller producers.
Business Signal:
The dispute highlights vulnerability in Ethiopia’s export diversification strategy; increased trade scrutiny may prompt manufacturers to reassess supply chains and compliance requirements.