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Sulla [soylentnews.org] writes:

Trump administration imposes tariffs on imported solar cells and modules at 30% and certain washing machines up to 50%.

This new determination sets tariffs on imported solar cells and modules at 30 percent with a gradual decrease of that tariff over the subsequent four years. In years two, three, and four, the tariff will be imposed at 25 percent, 20 percent, and 15 percent, respectively, of the value of the import. The first 2.5 gigawatts of imported solar cells imported are exempt from the tariff (but it seems that a similar provision was not made for solar modules). Though the executive branch has broad authority to impose whatever tariff it wants after the ITC finds that an industry has been harmed by imports, this tariff decision closely matches the middle-ground recommendation made by two of the four-person ITC's commissioners. Those commissioners recommended a 30-percent tariff on modules and a 30-percent tariff on imported solar cells in excess of 1GW, with declining rates after the first year.

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/trump-puts-30-tariff-on-imported-solar-cells-and-modules/?comments=1&post=34673121&mode=quote [arstechnica.com]

Tuesday premarket trading after news Monday that President Donald Trump would hit imported solar panels and washing machines with a new tariff. The new tax is expected to hit Trump's desk on Tuesday. The administration is imposing 20% tariffs on the first 1.2 million machines imported each year, and 50% on those after that. There will also be a 50% tariff on washing machine parts.

https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/guid/F55B381B-DBF7-4119-BA9D-CBFBC4CE817E [marketwatch.com]

Naturally South Korea and China are upset and plan to argue their case at the WTO. From the articles I read this morning there should be a boost to US manufacturing but the gains may all be offset by the losses with people not wanting to pay more for solar. I think regardless of price people will do solar for solar's sake, but there is sure to be some impact on sales and installation jobs.

Guess I should have bought that 30% off washing machine at the Sears going out of business sale.

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