Solar energy system installed on Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Preah Sihanouk in December 2022. Hong Menea
From January 2022 to January 2023, Cambodia exported $1,174.38 million of solar panels, modules and accessories to China, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kuwait, Malaysia and other territories, according to a Ministry of Commerce report.
Although the report did not offer a precise figure, ministry undersecretary of state and spokesman Pen Sovicheat said that exports of solar panels have been steadily increasing since the US issued a mid-2022 statement announcing a two-year tariff exemption on solar panels from four countries, including Cambodia.
“Solar exports were worth more than $150 million in January this year – $140 million of them to the US. This represents a significant increase in exports to America,” he said.
“The US has implemented several environmental protection programmes related to the use of clean energy, so people are encouraged to use solar panels. Initially, the US planned to impose tariffs on solar products, but decided to waive them to encourage consumers,” Sovicheat continued.
He also commented on suggestions that some form of price-dumping was taking place while the tariffs were lifted.
“We know these allegations are being investigated in several countries, but we are not concerned. No wrongdoing will be discovered as we have many brick-and-mortar factories in Cambodia. As producers and exporters, we are not concerned about any allegations,” he said.
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) vice-president Lim Heng expressed his appreciation for the increase in solar exports, saying the tariff exemption had boosted investment in the sector.
“Investment rose in the wake of the trade war between the US and China. When the US imposed tariffs on several Chinese exports, many Chinese companies chose to invest in the Kingdom. This has turned out to be a great opportunity for the Kingdom to step up the production of several types of electrical equipment,” he said.
In a recent meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, Liu Minglin, director-general and vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of Yunnan Investment Group – which is building the Siem Reap Angkor Airport – confirmed his firm’s intention to invest in the solar sector in Siem Reap.
