For one of Ohio’s more promising emerging industries, a familiar threat looms. Solar manufacturers are feeling the sting of unfair trade practices from China. As the Biden administration implements provisions meant to prevent importers from evading tariffs by stockpiling solar modules, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is right to want to know how U.S. Customs and Border Patrol plans to enforce the measures.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., backed Brown’s request for more information about those who hoarded the modules during a tariff moratorium that ended June 6.

“According to the White House, your Agency has announced that it will ‘vigorously enforce’ the anti-stockpiling provision, including by ‘requiring importers to provide CBP a certification of solar module utilization with detailed information about the modules being deployed.’ We urge that vigorous enforcement in the interest of American energy independence and energy security,” Brown and Ossoff wrote.

The International Trade Commission has already said First Solar and other U.S. manufacturers have a case regarding solar products from Chinese companies in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. In fact, there are plenty of instances of China refusing to play by the rules when it comes to ruthlessly gutting U.S. industry. The challenge, then, is not allowing them to get away with it.

Why wouldn’t they continue to break the rules, if there are no consequences?

We deserve to know federal agencies are imposing what consequences are possible, to protect Ohio’s and all U.S. manufacturers. The CBP must not delay in getting Brown and Ossoff the information they — and we — need to know that is happening.

editorial@vindy.com