A coalition of U.S. solar manufacturers, including First Solar, requested a federal tariff probe into solar panels imported from Ethiopia on May 12, 2026. Reuters reports the group alleges Chinese-owned companies are relocating operations to Ethiopia to circumvent existing U.S. trade barriers.
Industry lawyers predicted this development earlier this year, identifying Ethiopia as a potential hub for Chinese firms seeking to bypass U.S. duties. American manufacturers have successfully secured similar trade protections against several other countries in recent years.
Initial reports indicate no immediate market reaction or impact on stock prices following the announcement.