Anti-Dumping Tariff: Could This Kill Solar?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which energy editor and analyst Joel South and consumer goods editor and analyst Austin Smith discuss topics across the investing world.

Solar energy can be purchased around grid parity, allowing the industry to make significant strides in market share. However, prices may be soaring in the near term as the United States has imposed a 31% anti-dumping tariff on Chinese solar-panel makers in an attempt to slow down Chinese imports that the U.S. Commerce Department has ruled are being sold significantly under production costs. While this move is intended to help U.S. solar manufacturers compete against foreign companies, it could have serious unintended consequences that could burn both foreign and domestic companies. Watch the video below to see if this tariff will remain for the long term, or if it's a political move to strong-arm the Chinese government.

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At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smithhas no positions in the stocks mentioned above.Joel Southhas no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendFirst Solar. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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