Solar Manufacturing in Vietnam Navigates New Regulations and US Trade Scrutiny in 2026
HANOI, VIETNAM – Vietnam’s dynamic solar manufacturing sector is facing a pivotal moment in mid-2026, grappling with stringent new domestic import regulations while simultaneously navigating the complexities of escalating international trade disputes, particularly with the United States.
New Certification Standards for Solar Manufacturing Vietnam
In a significant move to regulate its burgeoning solar market, Vietnam’s government has announced that starting July 1, 2026, all imported solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting structures will require dual certification. According to a recent announcement, importers must provide documentation for both the GB/T 19001-2024 quality management standard and the ISO 55001 asset management system certification. This new rule applies to critical components like aluminum extrusions and structural steel used in both ground-mount and rooftop solar projects.
This policy could reshape supply chains, as the requirement creates a narrow compliance path for international suppliers aiming to enter or remain in the Vietnamese market. It signals a move towards greater standardization and control over the quality of components used in the country’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Intensifying US Trade Pressure
While Vietnam implements stricter internal controls, it also finds itself in the crosshairs of ongoing U.S. trade investigations. A coalition of U.S. solar manufacturers, the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, has been actively petitioning the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate tariff circumvention.
The latest petition, filed in May 2026, requests an anti-circumvention inquiry into crystalline silicon PV cells and modules from Ethiopia. However, the investigation has direct implications for Vietnam, with allegations that manufacturers may be using Vietnam as an assembly hub to circumvent existing tariffs on Chinese-origin components.
This action follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny. In petitions filed on July 17, 2025, the same U.S. manufacturing alliance initiated investigations into solar products from India and Indonesia. This sustained pressure from U.S. manufacturers highlights the persistent effort to shield the domestic market from what they deem unfair trade practices, keeping Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs, including Vietnam, under a constant watch.
A Challenging Outlook
For Vietnam, these concurrent developments present a dual challenge. The new import certifications may bolster domestic quality standards but could also introduce supply chain friction. Meanwhile, the persistent threat of U.S. trade actions complicates its position as a major global solar manufacturing destination. As 2026 progresses, the industry will be closely watching how these regulatory and geopolitical pressures shape the future of solar manufacturing in the nation.
Sources
- Vietnam PV Mounting Import Rules: Dual Certs from July 2026 – GISN
- US manufacturers files AD/CVD case against Toyo Solar and Origin …
- US solar panel makers request a look at surge in Ethiopian exports
- Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled …
