Commerce Finds China Solar Subsidies Likely to Continue if Order Ends
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has released its final results for the second sunset review of the countervailing duty (CVD) order on certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from the People’s Republic of China. The findings were published on February 10, 2026, in the Federal Register (Volume 91, Number 27).
Commerce determined that ending the CVD order would likely lead to continued or repeated subsidies from China. These subsidies would give Chinese solar producers an unfair advantage if the order were revoked.
Background
The original order was published on February 18, 2015. This second sunset review began on August 1, 2025, under section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930.
On August 15, 2025, the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing (AASM) submitted its notice of intent to participate. AASM is a domestic group made up of companies like First Solar, Inc. and Hanwha Q CELLS USA, Inc. This group stated that it qualifies as an interested party because its members manufacture or sell the same type of product within the U.S.
On September 2, 2025, AASM submitted a full response supporting continuation of the CVD order. No response was received from China or any interested party on the respondent side. As a result, Commerce treated the review as expedited and completed it within 120 days.
There were two tolling delays during this process. On November 14, 2025, all deadlines were extended by 47 days due to a government shutdown. Then, on November 24, 2025, deadlines were extended by another 21 days due to a backlog of electronically filed documents.
Scope
The order covers certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from China. A full scope description is available in the accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum.
Analysis
Commerce found that if the order is revoked, Chinese producers are likely to continue receiving countervailable subsidies. The agency also calculated the subsidy rates that would prevail.
Final Subsidy Rates
Commerce determined the following net countervailable subsidy rates:
- Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co., Ltd. and its cross-owned affiliates: 41.57 percent
- Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd.: 29.72 percent
- All Other Producers/Exporters: 35.65 percent
These rates reflect findings cited in several earlier decisions and memoranda, including corrections to previous typographical errors. The correct rate for Trina Solar was reaffirmed to be 41.57 percent.
Administrative Notices
Parties under administrative protective orders (APOs) are reminded of their duties. They must return or destroy sensitive documents as required by 19 CFR 351.305. Failure to comply may result in penalties.
Publication
These final results have been issued under sections 751(c), 752(b), and 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act and under 19 CFR 351.221(c)(5)(ii).
Signed on February 4, 2026, by Christopher Abbott, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
Appendix: Topics in the Issues and Decision Memorandum
- Summary
- Background
- Scope of the Order
- History of the Order
- Legal Framework
- Discussion of the Issues
- Likelihood of Continuation or Recurrence of a Countervailable Subsidy
- Net Countervailable Subsidy Rates Likely to Prevail
- Nature of the Subsidies
- Final Results of Sunset Review
- Recommendation
Federal Register Document No. 2026-02558.
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