Tariff pressure reshapes solar trade routes in Malaysia. (Photo: iStock)
The U.S.'s ongoing tariff campaign targeting Chinese solar companies operating in Southeast Asia appears to be yielding results.
Industry insiders in Malaysia report that rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for China-backed solar manufacturers to maintain operations. However, the new duties are unlikely to affect local manufacturers, and developers and installers may even benefit from the global oversupply and falling prices in the solar market.
New tariffs threaten Chinese solar makers in Malaysia
While there’s no definitive data quantifying the impact on Chinese solar exports routed through Malaysia, figures from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) show that total exports to the U.S. have declined. In 2024, Malaysia's solar exports to the U.S. fell to RM12.5 billion (about USD 2.8 billion), down more than 20% compared to the previous two years.
