Indonesia to Defend Solar Panel Exports as US Imposes Up to 143% Duties

Indonesia to Defend Solar Panel Exports as US Imposes Up to 143% Duties

Jakarta. Indonesia has pledged to defend its domestic solar panel industry after the United States imposed steep provisional countervailing duties, with the government saying data transparency will be key to safeguarding exports ahead of a final ruling in July 2026.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the government would fully cooperate in the investigation launched by the US Department of Commerce (USDOC), which on Tuesday announced preliminary countervailing duties ranging from 85.99 percent to 143.30 percent on Indonesian solar panel products.

“The Indonesian government is cooperative to ensure every stage of the investigation proceeds in accordance with the rules. We will monitor it through to the final decision,” Budi said in a statement on Friday.

Despite the high provisional tariffs, Indonesia’s position remains more favorable than several regional competitors. Vietnam faces duties of up to 542 percent, Thailand 263 percent, and Cambodia more than 3,400 percent, according to the USDOC announcement.

Tommy Andana, director general of foreign trade at the Trade Ministry, said the government is now preparing for on-site verification by US authorities scheduled for April 2026. Officials are seeking to avoid the use of the Adverse Facts Available (AFA) methodology, a mechanism that allows US investigators to impose harsher penalties if a country is deemed uncooperative or fails to provide sufficient information.

“We are ensuring that all industry responses are consistent, measurable and verifiable. The stronger and more solid the data submitted, the more objective the evaluation outcome will be,” Tommy said.

The upcoming verification will focus on incentive facilities in Batam’s Free Trade Zone and allegations of transnational subsidies linked to raw materials sourced from China.

Reza Pahlevi Chairul, director of trade remedies at the ministry, said the government is committed to assisting businesses facing allegations of dumping, subsidies, or safeguard violations to ensure continued access to the US market without undermining the competitiveness of domestic industry.

“The government is fully committed to helping businesses facing dumping, subsidy or safeguard allegations to maintain market access and the sustainability of Indonesia’s exports,” Reza said.

The final determination by US authorities is expected in July 2026.

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