Solar Manufacturing in Vietnam Faces New Regulatory and Trade Hurdles in 2026

HANOI, VIETNAM – As a critical hub in the global solar supply chain, Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is confronting a pivotal year. New domestic import regulations set to take effect in mid-2026, coupled with intensified international trade scrutiny from the United States, are creating a complex landscape for manufacturers and exporters operating in the country.

Navigating New Mandates for Solar Manufacturing Vietnam

In a significant regulatory shift, Vietnam will require dual certification for all imported solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting structures starting July 1, 2026. The new rule mandates that imports must comply with both China’s GB/T 19001-2024 quality management standard and the ISO 55001 asset management system standard. According to industry reports, these certifications must be issued by bodies approved by the Chinese National Accreditation Service (CNAS), with no provisions for foreign equivalents.

This policy is expected to have a substantial impact on the supply chain, particularly for components like aluminum profiles and steel-based structures. Exporters and project developers must now navigate this new layer of compliance to avoid potential shipment delays or rejections at Vietnamese ports, ensuring the quality and reliability of the country’s rapidly expanding solar infrastructure.

Caught in the Crosshairs of US Tariff Probes

Simultaneously, Vietnam finds itself increasingly central to ongoing U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigations. For years, reports have noted that some Chinese manufacturers have routed solar panels through Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, to evade U.S. tariffs. This practice has kept Vietnamese producers under a microscope.

The latest development in this trend is a formal request filed by a coalition of U.S. solar manufacturers with the Department of Commerce. The petition calls for an anti-circumvention inquiry into crystalline silicon PV cells and modules imported from Ethiopia. The filing specifically names companies Toyo Solar and Origin Solar, alleging they are part of a strategy to bypass existing tariffs on Chinese and Southeast Asian goods. While focused on Ethiopia, this action signals a widening net by U.S. authorities to close tariff loopholes, a strategy that has previously impacted Vietnam and its neighbors.

This marks the latest chapter in a series of U.S. trade cases dating back to 2012, which have seen production continually shift to new countries to avoid duties. As the U.S. continues to target potential circumvention routes, manufacturers in Vietnam face heightened risk and uncertainty.

A Shifting Global Landscape

The challenges for Vietnam’s solar sector are occurring as the global market continues to evolve. While innovators like JinkoSolar advance the industry with new technologies such as lightweight, high-strength modules, the geopolitical landscape is forcing companies to re-evaluate their supply chains. The persistent threat of U.S. tariffs on goods routed through third countries is creating a difficult operating environment.

For Vietnam to maintain its competitive edge as a premier solar manufacturing location, industry players must demonstrate agility. Proactive compliance with new domestic regulations and careful auditing of supply chains to mitigate international trade risks will be essential for navigating the complex dynamics of 2026 and beyond.

Sources

1. Vietnam PV Mounting Import Rules: Dual Certs from July 2026 – GISN
2. US solar panel makers request a look at surge in Ethiopian exports
3. US manufacturers files AD/CVD case against Toyo Solar and Origin …
4. Best Solar Energy Stocks in India 2026 – Univest
5. Jinko Solar-首页