Solar panels are environment-friendly packages of photovoltaic (solar) cells that convert light into electricity. Businesses and individual consumers use solar panels in commercial and residential applications.
Made-in-USA imported solar panel sales to Canada have soared to US$130 million for the first 11 months of 2009, up almost 150% from the $52.4 million sold during the comparable period ending November 2008.
As of November 2009, Canada imported $258.8 million worth of solar panels from all of its trading partners. That figure represents a 4.4% gain from 2008.
Below are the top 10 countries exporting solar cell products to Canada in 2009 and 2008.
Canadian Tariff Duties on Imported Solar Cell Products
The 6-digit international harmonized system (HS) code for solar panels is 854140. From Canada's Customs Tariff manual, the text description corresponding with HS code 854140 is photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells and light-emitting diodes.
Solar panel products under HS code 854140 are generally imported into Canada duty free. This includes all countries listed in this article. At a minimum, these nations are covered by the Most Favoured Nation Tariff (MFN) via their membership in the World Trade Organization.
While duty free means a level playing field, the United States has proven a superior competitive advantage in photovoltaic cell technology and business acumen in leading Canadian sales of imported solar panels.
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