POLITICO Energy Trump’s tariffs could hurt the US renewable energy industry
Apr 7, 2025
New tariffs from President Trump may spell trouble for U.S. solar developers while leaving critical minerals industries relatively untouched. The discussion highlights how these tariffs could raise construction costs and provoke reactions from China. Additionally, there are potential investment risks from key allies and a Senate ruling that could complicate California's leading emissions standards. The podcast delves into the balance of trade policies and their significant impact on the renewable energy landscape.
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Solar Industry Impacts
- The US solar industry is familiar with trade proceedings and policy changes, impacting tariff dynamics.
- Despite growth and efforts to diversify supply chains, tariffs on Southeast Asian nations will likely raise prices.
Critical Minerals and Tariffs
- Although some critical minerals are exempt from tariffs, this may be temporary, with sector-specific tariffs possible.
- Even with exemptions, tariffs raise construction costs for US mines and could trigger retaliation from countries like China.
Impact of Tariffs on Investments
- New tariffs create additional uncertainty for industries already facing potential changes to clean energy incentives.
- Investments from US trade partners are now affected by these tariffs, further increasing risks for projects.