The United States has slapped heavy tariffs on solar products imported from India, marking a sharp increase that could affect both businesses and consumers. The US Commerce Department announced countervailing duties of 125.87% on solar cells and panels from India. Indonesia and Laos were also hit with tariffs of 104.38% and 80.67%, respectively.

US officials cited that these countries had unfairly subsidized solar manufacturing, giving their exporters an advantage in the US market. In 2024, solar imports from India alone were valued at $792.6 million, over nine times the amount recorded in 2022. Overall, India, Indonesia, and Laos contributed about two-thirds of the $4.5 billion worth of solar imports to the US in 2025.

The tariffs come amid legal and trade uncertainties. A recent US Supreme Court ruling had struck down certain global tariffs from the previous administration, creating confusion about trade deals. While an interim agreement had reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, the new ruling led to proposals for global tariffs, which eventually settled back to 10%, excluding existing levies.