US India Trade Deal Lowers Solar Tariffs

12 Feb 2026 CW Team

Data from JMK Research and Mercom Capital show India exported 10.4 gigawatt (GW) of solar modules to the US in the first nine months of 2025, with roughly 97 per cent of the country's total module exports destined for the US last year. PL Capital reported India's share of the total US solar import market rose to about 11 per cent in 2024–2025, up from roughly three per cent in 2022. Analysts say the growth reflects a rapid market shift that has diversified supply chains amid tighter trade conditions.

Indian manufacturers including Vikram Solar and Waaree Energies are positioned to gain ground in utility scale and commercial and industrial markets as tariff clarity improves. Industry executives indicated that the removal of penalties and clearer reciprocal duties provide demand visibility for capacity planning and investment. Market observers suggest the change may encourage expansion in module production and energy storage supply chains as alternatives to Chinese linked facilities.

Stakeholders cautioned that implementation details will determine the practical effects on project economics and sourcing choices. Market participants will focus on contractual terms, certification requirements and logistics arrangements that could affect shipment timelines and costs. The coming quarters are likely to show how swiftly Indian exporters translate improved access into increased deliveries and whether import commitments lead to lasting procurement shifts.

The United States (US) and India reached a trade deal on three February 2026 that reduces reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, including solar modules, and energy storage components, from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. The agreement also rescinds a previously imposed 25 per cent penalty tariff that had applied because of India's trade with Russia, reducing the total tariff burden on Indian solar exports to the US from roughly 50 per cent to 18 per cent. The White House said the deal is contingent on India committing to purchase 500 billion dollars in American energy and technology over five years and on a reorientation of certain energy imports away from Russia toward US and Venezuelan sources. Data from JMK Research and Mercom Capital show India exported 10.4 gigawatt (GW) of solar modules to the US in the first nine months of 2025, with roughly 97 per cent of the country's total module exports destined for the US last year. PL Capital reported India's share of the total US solar import market rose to about 11 per cent in 2024–2025, up from roughly three per cent in 2022. Analysts say the growth reflects a rapid market shift that has diversified supply chains amid tighter trade conditions. Indian manufacturers including Vikram Solar and Waaree Energies are positioned to gain ground in utility scale and commercial and industrial markets as tariff clarity improves. Industry executives indicated that the removal of penalties and clearer reciprocal duties provide demand visibility for capacity planning and investment. Market observers suggest the change may encourage expansion in module production and energy storage supply chains as alternatives to Chinese linked facilities. Stakeholders cautioned that implementation details will determine the practical effects on project economics and sourcing choices. Market participants will focus on contractual terms, certification requirements and logistics arrangements that could affect shipment timelines and costs. The coming quarters are likely to show how swiftly Indian exporters translate improved access into increased deliveries and whether import commitments lead to lasting procurement shifts.

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