By Canadian Press

The Latest: Mexico slams US decision on solar panels tariff

Jan 22, 2018 | 10:59 PM

WASHINGTON — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines (all times local):

9:55 p.m.

Mexico says it regrets the United States’ decision not to exclude it from tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels.

It says it will “use all available legal resources in response to the U.S. decision.” It says its inclusion in the application of protections is “regrettable” given the U.S. International Trade Commission determined no damage exists to U.S. industry as a consequence of imports of Mexican washing machines.

U.S. President Donald Trump says approving the tariffs will help U.S. manufacturers. The Republican casts Monday’s decision as part of his pledge to put American companies and jobs first.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

His administration is imposing an immediate tariff of 30 per cent on most imported solar modules, with the rate declining before phasing out after four years. For large residential washing machines, tariffs will start at up to 50 per cent and phase out after three years.

___

6:15 p.m.

An association representing solar installers says a U.S. tariff on solar panels will lead to the delay or cancellation of billions of dollars of investment in solar energy.

President Donald Trump said Monday he was approving tariffs on imported solar energy components and large washing machines in a bid to help U.S. manufacturers. The Republican says it’s part of his pledge to put American companies and jobs first.

The Solar Energy Industries Association says the tariff will result in the loss of 23,000 industry jobs this year.

One of the group’s members is Bill Vietas, president of RBI Solar in Cincinnati. He says government tariffs will increase the cost of solar and depress demand, reducing orders and costing manufacturing workers their jobs.

Whirlpool chairman Jeff Fettig say the decision on washing machines will create new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.

___

5:55 p.m.

President Donald Trump is approving tariffs on imported solar-energy components and large washing machines in a bid to help U.S. manufacturers.

The administration cast Monday’s decisions as part of Trump’s pledge to put American companies and jobs first.

The administration is imposing an immediate tariff of 30 per cent on most imported solar modules, with the rate declining before phasing out after four years.

For large residential washing machines, tariffs will start at up to 50 per cent and phase out after three years.

The U.S. solar industry is split over the issue. Two small subsidiaries of foreign companies that made solar cells in the U.S. favour tariffs, but a larger number of companies that install solar-power systems say their costs will rise and jobs will be lost.

The Associated Press