In little over a decade, Southeast Asia has become one of the world\u2019s top exporters of solar power equipment \u2013 a success driven significantly by the relocation of Chinese manufacturers to the region. But now, the sector faces considerable challenges as US tariffs cut off their main export market, intensifying pressure on a previously booming trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ever since finding themselves in the crosshairs of US import tariffs in 2012<\/a>, Chinese solar manufacturers began shifting their production to Southeast Asia to circumvent trade barriers. More recently, overcapacity and brutal price wars in China\u2019s domestic market<\/a> have accelerated these international relocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The arrival of factories backed by Chinese solar heavyweights such as Trina, Longi, JA Solar and Jinko Solar, among nearly 20 other competitors<\/a>, has transformed Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia into world-leading production and export hubs for a range of solar components. Together, these countries account for over 40%<\/a> of global manufacturing capacity of solar modules outside China, and around 20%<\/a> of worldwide exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n