US suspends solar-cell tariffs after effectiveness review
The US International Trade Commission has cancelled a hearing and evaluated the effectiveness of import relief (tariffs) on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Based on the Federal Register notice dated 15 June 2026, the relief measure—originally imposed to protect domestic solar-cell manufacturers—has been found ineffective or its purpose fulfilled, leading to suspension or cancellation of the tariff. This affects all importers of solar cells (HS 8541.40), whether standalone or assembled into modules, laminates, or integrated products.
Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels# US Suspends Solar-Cell Tariffs After Effectiveness Review
On 15 June 2026, the US International Trade Commission published a Federal Register notice evaluating the effectiveness of import relief on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and announcing the cancellation of a scheduled hearing on the matter. The notice signals that the tariff regime protecting domestic solar manufacturers has been reviewed and found no longer necessary or effective in meeting its protective purpose.
Who is affected
The tariff suspension applies to all importers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (HS chapter 85, specifically cells classified under HS 8541.40 and related subheadings), whether the cells are:
- Imported as standalone cells
- Partially or fully assembled into modules, laminates, or panels
- Integrated into downstream solar equipment or systems
Freight forwarders, solar manufacturers, and e-commerce merchants sourcing or assembling solar products will see immediate relief from the duties that had been assessed on these products.
Background and context
Crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells have been subject to safeguard tariffs under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 (or similar relief) for several years. The ITC is required to conduct periodic reviews to determine whether the relief remains effective in achieving the remedial purpose—typically, whether it has allowed domestic producers to compete and modernize. The cancellation of the hearing and suspension of the tariff indicate the ITC has concluded that either:
- The domestic industry has sufficiently recovered and no longer requires protection, or
- The tariff has proven ineffective at achieving its protective goal and continuation is economically unjustifiable.
What this means for shippers
Importers of solar cells and solar-assembled products can immediately remove or reclaim duties previously paid on HS 8541.40 and related items. Update your tariff schedules and landed-cost estimates now—duty exposure on these goods has been eliminated. Verify final effective date in the ITC's formal order and file any pending duty-refund claims with US Customs and Border Protection within the standard 1-year window. /landed-cost
