Bangkok, Thailand – Chonlada Siangkong lost her job at a solar cell factory in Rayong following the shutdown of Standard Energy Co due to impending US tariffs of up to 3,500% on solar imports from Southeast Asia, as part of a crackdown on alleged unfair trade practices by Chinese firms. This sudden job loss, affecting thousands, raises concerns about the future of Southeast Asia’s solar export trade, which constituted 80% of US solar imports. Experts warn that ongoing protectionist measures could lead to significant manufacturing relocations and job losses in the region’s skilled labor force.
