High tariffs imposed by the United States on clean energy products risk slowing the growth of new energy technologies, experts say, potentially hurting both US consumers and the global push toward a low-carbon economy.
Last month, the US introduced “reciprocal tariffs” on many imported goods, including solar cells and clean energy components. Although some exemptions were later announced, the tariffs have already driven up costs for companies and consumers.
According to the US International Trade Commission, about 75% of the country’s solar cells and modules—worth over $16.5 billion last year—were imported, mostly from Asia.
Leslie Abrahams, deputy director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained: “Sweeping reciprocal tariffs, combined with previous aluminum and steel tariffs, will directly increase prices across all clean energy technologies.”
Xiang Liu, a researcher at the Sichuan Academy of Environmental Policy and Planning, warned: “Prices of photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, electric vehicles, battery materials, and green ships are expected to rise drastically. This will create invisible barriers to consumer access and hinder the green transition in key sectors like energy and transportation.”
Investment in US clean energy has already suffered, with over $7.7 billion in projects canceled in early 2025, according to CSIS reports. The tariffs risk worsening this trend.
Lin Boqiang, dean of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy, said: “The US lacks a complete manufacturing chain for solar products. Building domestic capacity will take a decade or more, so these tariffs risk being more political gestures than effective solutions.”
The Trump administration argues tariffs are essential to revive American manufacturing and jobs. Nick Iacovella, executive vice-president of the Coalition for a Prosperous America, said: “The vision is bringing back American manufacturing, creating jobs, and benefiting working-class people.”
However, many experts see the approach as risky. Xiang Liu cautioned: “By bringing manufacturing back through high tariffs, the US risks undermining green investments, disrupting global supply chains, and driving up the cost of clean energy development.”
Given America’s outsized historical emissions, the country holds a critical responsibility in leading climate efforts. Experts worry that tariff policies and retreating climate commitments will send discouraging signals worldwide.
“Tariffs hinder technology development, weaken clean energy competitiveness, and pose obstacles to global green trade,” Xiang said. “They risk pushing climate change down the global agenda and increasing uncertainty in international climate cooperation.”
