U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar cells could lead to job losses

The Obama administration’s recent decision to slap import tariffs on Chinese solar cells was hailed by some domestic solar manufacturers as a victory for job creation, leveling the field while sending a powerful message to Beijing about monopolistic behavior in crucial industries.

But a close look at the U.S. solar industry suggests that the tariffs may actually be a job killer because the vast majority of positions in the sector aren’t on the assembly line. Instead, more than 70 percent of U.S. solar employment is in installation, sales and distribution — and companies that hire those workers argue that solar cells must get significantly cheaper to remain competitive with other energy sources.

“What China is doing to boost its manufacturers is unfair, but tariffs could actually reduce jobs,” said Gordon John-son, a green tech analyst at Axiom Capital Management. “The price of solar panels goes up and looks unaffordable compared to alternatives.”

via Analysts say U.S. decision to place tariffs on Chinese solar cells could lead to job losses here | The Columbus Dispatch.

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