Five U.S. companies requested that tariffs be applied to imports of solar wafers and cells to Mexico originating in China.

The American Solar Manufacturing Alliance made this request to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as part of a consultation to strengthen the U.S. supply chain.

This alliance is made up of First Solar, Hanwha Q CELLS USA, Heliene, Mission Solar Energy and Suniva.

Solar wafers

This Alliance stated that the U.S. government should work closely with Canada and Mexico. This would ensure that solar wafers and cells imported from countries such as China, and then processed into panels in Canada and Mexico, do not take advantage of preferential treatment under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada treaty.

For this reason, the Alliance stressed the need for accurate and transparent tracking of the country of origin of solar wafers and cells.

The members of the Alliance include five major companies in the solar industry. These companies have a significant manufacturing presence in the United States. In addition, they include the largest solar panel manufacturers in the country or companies that are expanding their solar manufacturing operations in the United States.

Lithium batteries

On the other hand, China’s Ministry of Commerce on Thursday endorsed proposed controls on exports of battery cathodes and lithium extraction technologies. According to the Ministry, these measures are necessary to boost the country’s scientific and technological development.

However, analysts believe that the main objective is to strengthen the electric vehicle market in China. In their view, this is not a direct attempt to affect the U.S. battery supply chain.

On January 2, Beijing launched a public consultation. This action is part of the process of updating its Catalogue of Technologies Subject to Export Bans and Restrictions.