US Opens Antidumping Investigation on Indonesian Solar Cells
The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a preliminary affirmative determination that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from Indonesia are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV), triggering an antidumping investigation. The investigation covers the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, and Commerce has also preliminarily determined critical circumstances exist in part. This marks the start of formal antidumping duties proceedings that could substantially increase landed costs for solar cell imports from Indonesia.
Photo: Sami Raad / Pexels# US Opens Antidumping Investigation on Indonesian Solar Cells
On April 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary affirmative determination that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from Indonesia are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The investigation period covers July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
What triggered the investigation
Commerce's preliminary finding means that Indonesian manufacturers are suspected of pricing their solar cells below fair value—a practice known as dumping. The determination also includes a preliminary affirmative finding of critical circumstances in part, meaning Commerce has reason to believe dumping occurred in a pattern of significant volume and injury would be difficult to remedy.
Who is affected
This antidumping investigation directly impacts:
- Importers and distributors of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from Indonesia (HS Code 8541.40)
- Solar panel manufacturers and installers who source cells from Indonesia
- E-commerce merchants selling solar equipment
- Freight forwarders handling solar cell shipments from Indonesia
The investigation covers both standalone cells and cells assembled into complete modules, making it broadly applicable across the solar industry.
What happens next
Commerce is inviting interested parties to submit comments on this preliminary determination. The investigation will continue toward a final determination, after which antidumping duties may be imposed retroactively to the date of preliminary determination if the case is sustained.
Critical circumstances findings can trigger retroactive collection of duties, potentially affecting inventory already in-transit or in bonded warehouses. Importers should monitor case developments closely and consider adjusting their landed-cost calculations to account for potential duty exposure.
What this means for shippers
For shippers importing solar cells from Indonesia, this preliminary determination signals incoming cost increases. Antidumping duties typically range from 15–250% depending on final investigation results. Companies should review their supply chains, verify country of origin for solar cells, and update landed-cost models to reflect potential duty liability. Learn more about how tariffs affect your shipping costs at /landed-cost.
