Turkey introduces import tariffs for solar panels

Importers of solar power panels from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Croatia and Jordan to Turkey will be charged USD 25 per square meter. The measure targets equipment originating from China.

Unlike the European Union, which is still against protecting its solar industry with customs tariffs, Turkey rolled out antidumping duties for photovoltaic panels from China seven years ago. Moreover, it now started to charge USD 25 per square meter for the equipment shipped from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Croatia and Jordan.

While the first three are among the world’s top producers of solar panels, the measure is primarily aimed at reexports from China. The country controls a whopping 80% of the global market. In particular, the tariffs are charged for solar cells.

The EU is facing an exodus of solar manufacturers. Conversely, Turkey conditions participants in renewable energy auctions to source equipment and labor domestically. The government is also handing out hefty subsidies for solar module and wind turbine plants and other technologies.

The Ministry of Trade started the investigation of unfair competition practices in November.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır said a month ago that Turkey is the first in Europe in solar panel production.

Renewables accounted for 99.5% of electricity generation capacity added last year. The government aims to increase their share to 65% by 2035, from 56%, registered at the end of 2023.