Hanwha Solutions forecasts limited impact from a US anti-dumping and countervailing duty circumvention investigation petition targeting Korean solar cells. The company stated at its Q2 earnings conference call on the 29th that its production system and supply chain are fundamentally distinct from the circumvention structure alleged in the petition. A petition has been filed with the US Commerce Department requesting investigation into whether Korean solar cells circumvent tariffs imposed on Chinese products, though the department has not officially initiated the investigation. The company cited strong factual grounds for expecting no material impact. The petition targets Korean solar cell imports amid ongoing trade disputes in the US solar manufacturing sector.
Hanwha Solutions Received Non-Circumvention Ruling in 2023 Malaysia Case
Hanwha Solutions emphasized it received a non-circumvention determination from the US Commerce Department in 2023 when a similar petition targeted its Q CELLS Malaysia facility. The company referenced this precedent as supporting its current position that the investigation will not materially affect operations.
Canadian Solar, SEG Solar, and Heliene Filed Petition
The petition was filed by Canadian Solar, SEG Solar, and Heliene. Industry observers interpret the petition as a competitive countermeasure, noting that the petitioners are stakeholders in the Southeast Asian cell and module supply chain and that Hanwha Q CELLS previously filed a trade remedy petition targeting that supply chain.
US Commerce Department Initiated Section 232 Polysilicon Investigation in July 2025
Separate from the Korean cell petition, the US Commerce Department officially initiated a Section 232 investigation in July 2025 examining whether polysilicon and derivative product imports affect national security. Hanwha Solutions identified this investigation as a variable for second-half performance. The company stated that if Section 232 measures apply only to polysilicon, import raw material procurement costs will increase, and the company is monitoring the impact as it imports non-Chinese polysilicon.
Company Monitors Non-Chinese Polysilicon Import Costs
Hanwha Solutions explained that if Section 232 measures extend to imported cells and modules, a relatively favorable market environment could form for Hanwha Q CELLS due to its complete US value chain. The company stated it is not delaying raw material purchases ahead of the Section 232 determination. In earnings materials, the company noted that the expected announcement of Section 232 tariff measures on polysilicon and derivative products this year could lead to market restructuring centered on US manufacturers.
FAQ
What did Hanwha Solutions say about the US circumvention petition on the 29th?
Hanwha Solutions stated at its Q2 earnings conference call on the 29th that its production system and supply chain are fundamentally distinct from the circumvention structure alleged in the petition, and the company expects no material impact due to strong factual grounds.
Why did Canadian Solar, SEG Solar, and Heliene file the petition against Korean solar cells?
Industry observers interpret the petition as competitive retaliation because the petitioners are stakeholders in the Southeast Asian cell and module supply chain, and Hanwha Q CELLS previously filed a trade remedy petition targeting that supply chain.
When did the US Commerce Department initiate the Section 232 polysilicon investigation?
The US Commerce Department officially initiated the Section 232 investigation on polysilicon and derivative products in July 2025 to examine whether imports affect national security.
