Chinese firms have shifted production to Laos and Indonesia, significantly increasing exports of photovoltaic panels to the US and avoiding trade tariffs

After aggressive tariffs imposed by the US government on imports from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, manufacturers in Laos and Indonesia have managed to increase their share of the US photovoltaic panel market to 29%. They, largely controlled by Chinese firms, have shifted production to avoid tariffs. In contrast, exports from affected countries fell by 33%. Imports of photovoltaic cells from Indonesia and Laos have also risen sharply, and Chinese manufacturers are reviewing their export strategies, looking to expand into other regions to meet US demand.