Trade Minister: Government Ready to Defend Solar Panel Industry Against US Scrutiny
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso has asserted that the Indonesian government is prepared to defend the nation’s solar panel industry in the face of an anti-subsidy investigation by the United States government.
“This process is entirely based on data and facts. The Indonesian government is adopting a cooperative and transparent stance so that all investigation stages proceed in accordance with regulations. We will continue to safeguard national industry interests until the final decision is announced,” Budi said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
On Tuesday (24 February), the US Department of Commerce (USDOC) announced the imposition of Provisional Tariffs (temporary countervailing duties) on imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (solar panels), from several countries, including Indonesia.
The tariffs imposed on Indonesia range from 85.99 to 143.30 per cent. The anti-subsidy investigation into solar panels will continue until the final decision, scheduled for July 2026.
In comparative terms, the tariffs imposed on Indonesia are notably lower than those for several other ASEAN nations. Malaysia faces tariffs of 14-168 per cent, Vietnam 68-542 per cent, Thailand 99-263 per cent, and Cambodia exceeding 3,400 per cent.
“This comparison demonstrates that Indonesia’s position is relatively more moderate within the provisional tariff structure announced by the US authorities,” Budi explained.
Budi noted that since the case began in August 2025, Indonesia has responded by submitting questionnaire responses, supporting data, and technical clarifications comprehensively and punctually.
The Indonesian government has emphasised the importance of active industry participation to avoid the application of the Adverse Facts Available (AFA) method. This approach emphasises the use of data available to investigating authorities if the accused country is deemed uncooperative. This step could result in higher tariffs.
According to Budi, in the trade remedies mechanism under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework, the completeness and accuracy of data are critical factors.
Director General of Foreign Trade at the Trade Ministry Tommy Andana added that the Indonesian government continues to coordinate intensively with business stakeholders.
This includes strengthening data consolidation and providing technical support ahead of on-site verification by US authorities, scheduled for April 2026.
“We ensure that all industry responses are consistent, measurable, and verifiable. The more solid the data submitted, the more objective the evaluation results will be,” Tommy explained.
In the next phase, the USDOC will verify incentive facilities in the Batam Free Trade Zone (FTZ) which are deemed subsidies. Additionally, imported raw materials from China are suspected of receiving subsidies from the Chinese government and are considered a form of transnational subsidy by the US.
Tommy stated that the Trade Ministry has undertaken advocacy and coordination with solar panel industry players, ministries, and institutions in Batam as of November 2025.