The United States Department of Commerce has announced preliminary duties of up to 271% on solar imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The decision, part of a trade review announced on Friday, targets crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules.

These measures are part of efforts by US solar panel makers to combat what they perceive as unfair trade practices that affect domestic production and government investments.

The investigation follows claims that Southeast Asian manufacturers benefit from government subsidies and are selling products below fair prices.

Cambodian imports face a cash deposit rate of 117.12%. In Malaysia, duties range from 17.84% for Jinko Solar Technology Sdn. Bhd. to 81.24% for other suppliers. Hanwha Q Cells Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., however, has no duties imposed.

In Vietnam, firms such as JA Solar Vietnam Co. Ltd. and Jinko Solar (Vietnam) Industries Company Ltd. have rates between 53.19% and 56.4%. For unspecified exporters, the highest rate is 271.28%.

These cases stem from a petition by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing. The group includes companies like First Solar Inc., Hanwha Qcells USA Inc., and Mission Solar Energy LLC.

The announcement has faced opposition from some foreign manufacturers and US renewable energy developers. They argue the tariffs favor larger domestic companies and increase solar project costs.