SHANGHAI-LISTED solar panel maker LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. said yesterday it will provide evidence to show it is complying with U.S. laws after the U.S. Department of Commerce alleged it is circumventing tariffs.

The U.S. agency released preliminary findings Friday that LONGi and three other Chinese solar panel makers are evading decade-old tariffs by assembling equipment in four Southeast Asian countries — Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam — before shipping to the United States. The United States will impose new duties on imports from these firms.

“Next, the U.S. Department of Commerce will conduct on-site audit in the next few months to verify the authenticity of the investigation information. During this period, we will actively provide evidence that shows we are compliant with U.S. trade law and not circumventing,” LONGi said in a statement.

BYD Co., Trina Solar Co. and Canadian Solar Inc. were also named in the preliminary determination and did not immediately respond to requests for comment yesterday.

If finalized next year, the U.S. determination means the Chinese companies will be subject to duties. The duties will not come into force until June 2024, thanks to a two-year waiver introduced by U.S. President Joe Biden this year.

LONGi said it was working on increasing the strategic layout of its global operations, including improving its manufacturing and supply chain for the U.S. market. (SD-Agencies)