The United States faces a growing energy demand, with electricity needs projected to surge by 4.7% in the next five years. This demand, driven by data centers, electric vehicles and emerging industries, requires a robust and secure energy portfolio. Solar power is a key component of this portfolio. Still, its potential is undermined by China’s dominance of the solar manufacturing supply chain and its egregious human rights abuses.
The administration recently announced an executive order to raise tariffs on polysilicon, solar wafers (of which polysilicon is a key component and which are necessary for producing solar modules), and other products. Congress must take further action to protect and support the domestic solar industry.
A strong domestic solar industry is essential for economic prosperity and national security. Yet, China controls more than 80% of all solar manufacturing worldwide and has a near monopoly on the production of polysilicon. A significant part of polysilicon is produced by China in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a known source of forced labor. China’s domination of solar manufacturing and production of polysilicon using forced labor raises serious national security and ethical concerns.
Congress recognized this threat by passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in 2021. The law presumes that goods from Xinjiang, including polysilicon, are made with forced labor and, therefore, are banned from entering the United States. From June 21, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforced the UFLPA. It prevented $958 million worth of goods from entering the country. Recent enforcement trends are alarming. CBP has begun releasing solar modules containing Chinese polysilicon, ostensibly because such modules were manufactured outside of Xinjiang. This loophole undermines the spirit and intent of the UFLPA.
The inadequacy of CBP’s enforcement is concerning. The influx of cheap Chinese solar products, possibly tainted by forced labor, harms American manufacturers that use ethically made products. Furthermore, without CBP’s requiring thorough documentation to determine the origin of polysilicon or any products containing polysilicon, the use of mixed metallurgical grade silicon from Xinjiang and non-Xinjiang sources makes it impossible to trace. Ensuring that only ethically produced polysilicon and other solar components enter the United States and are used by American manufacturers is crucial for reducing our reliance on China and creating American jobs.
A strong, secure and ethically sourced solar industry is within our reach. Congress must act now. Demand robust enforcement of the UFLPA. Encourage polysilicon imports from allied nations like Germany and Malaysia. Most important, champion policies that incentivize domestic solar manufacturing. Taking decisive action against Chinese abuses and investing in American innovation, we can ensure a bright future for American solar energy and strengthen our nation’s energy independence.
Tom Swatzel is a former chairman of the Georgetown County, S.C., Republican Party./InsideSources