The future of South-east Asia's booming solar industry, which produces the most panels in the world after China, is being thrown into doubt as the US looks set to impose hefty tariffs on the region.
Chinese firms that set up factories in the region over the last decade are now being accused of skirting US import levies on their home market. At least three-including Longi Green Energy Technology and Trina Solar have scaled back operations in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, which, along with Cambodia, are being targeted by Washington.
The four countries account for more than 40 per cent of solar module production capacity outside of China, according to BloombergNEF (BNEF), and other Chinese firms with facilities there are hunting for markets to replace the US.
"The mood of the suppliers is to pack the lines, especially the cell lines, and move them to either Indonesia, Laos or the Middle East," said Ms Yana Hryshko, the head of global solar supply chain research at Wood Mackenzie. Some Chinese manufacturers are waiting to see what the tariff level will be before deciding if they need to relocate, she said.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 22, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 22, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Suspect charged after latest attempted assassination of Trump
US federal prosecutors on Sept 16 criminally charged a gunman suspected of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, a day after he was spotted with a rifle hiding in the bushes at Trump's Florida golf course.
Task force outlines plans to help more people with disabilities find jobs
Another 4,500 set to benefit by 2030, with efforts to raise employment rate to 40%
Enhancements to transport infrastructure to support those who need help
Singapore has made significant improvements to its transport infrastructure to better support people with disabilities (PWDs), enhancing accessibility and enabling greater participation in the community.
Pilot to enable more people with disabilities to live independently
Up to 250 adults will live in cluster of rental flats or be supported in their own homes
Suspect in attempt on Trump's life a supporter of Ukraine
He had reportedly travelled there to back war effort, stayed several months in 2022
Manila in race against time to stop potential Chinese takeover of shoal
Philippines Correspondent or MANILA The pressure is on for the Philippines to replace a vessel it pulled out from a hotly contested shoal in the South China Sea risk losing a strategic area in its maritime dispute with Beijing.
National mental health helpline, textline ready by mid-2025
Trained counsellors to address common concerns, offer listening ear via phone, text
New private home sales plunge to 16-year low in August
New private home sales plunged to a 16-year record low for the month of August, as developers held back on new launches during the Hungry Ghost month and price-conscious buyers remained sidelined by higher new launch prices, elevated interest rates and cloudy macroeconomic conditions.
China's cities increase consumer subsidies to boost weak demand
Once-prolific shoppers are cutting back on spending amid uncertain economic outlook
News analysis Chinese man enters Taiwan on boat, raising alarm about island's defence
Incident may be part of Beijing's grey-zone tactics against Taiwan, say analysts