Solar manufacturers in India seeks govt protection against cheaper imports

Indian solar component manufacturers are advocating for increased government protection against a surge of low-cost imports, particularly from countries like China and Vietnam. The Solar Ancillary Manufacturers' Association has formally requested the imposition of both tariff and non-tariff barriers to support local producers and create a level playing field. Despite existing measures, such as a 25% safeguard duty imposed in 2018 on Chinese imports to protect local manufacturers, challenges persist. Manufacturers argue that these duties are insufficient, especially given free-trade agreements with countries like Vietnam and aggressive pricing strategies by Chinese suppliers, which continue to make imported components more competitive than domestic products. In response to these concerns, the Indian government has announced that, starting June 2026, all clean energy projects must utilize solar photovoltaic (PV) modules made from locally produced cells. This mandate aims to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and bolster domestic manufacturing. However, domestic manufacturers emphasize the need for immediate and comprehensive protective measures to ensure the sector's sustainability and growth in the face of ongoing import challenges.

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