US Customs Releases Toyo Ethiopian Solar Shipments
Federal officials cleared detained solar cells after reviewing documentation regarding supply chain sourcing.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Manufacturing
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US Customs and Border Protection released two shipments of solar cells manufactured by Toyo in Ethiopia after previously holding them due to forced labor concerns. While these shipments are now cleared, the US Department of Commerce continues a broader inquiry into whether Ethiopian solar cells circumvent existing duties on Chinese products.
Why it matters
The release of these components eases immediate supply constraints for the manufacturer, yet the ongoing federal inquiry into duty circumvention creates significant regulatory uncertainty for the broader solar industry. This investigation, prompted by a request from eight US manufacturers, will determine if Ethiopian-made cells are subject to the same trade penalties as those from China.
The released shipments totaled 0.094 MW of capacity with a value of $13,770. Toyo currently operates 4 GW of TOPCon cell manufacturing capacity in Ethiopia and recently expanded its Texas module facility to 2 GW.
The players
Toyo
This solar manufacturer produces TOPCon cells in Ethiopia and operates a module assembly facility in Texas.
US Customs and Border Protection
This federal agency is responsible for enforcing trade laws and monitoring imports for potential forced labor or regulatory violations.
US Department of Commerce
This cabinet-level executive department oversees trade policy, including investigations into duty circumvention for imported goods.
The details
CBP detained the two shipments on May 27 and May 28, 2026, amid suspicions concerning forced labor, but ultimately allowed the cargo to enter the United States after a review of supply chain documentation. Toyo reports that its Ethiopian production utilizes polysilicon sourced from the United States and Malaysia.
Timeline
May 2026: Eight US manufacturers filed a formal request for an inquiry.
May 27-28, 2026: CBP issued detention notices for two solar cell shipments.
July 17, 2026: The Department of Commerce opened a circumvention inquiry.
October 2026: Toyo finished expanding its Texas module plant to 2 GW.
Mid-December 2026: A preliminary determination for the circumvention inquiry is expected.
Market Landscape
This move represents a targeted effort by federal regulators to investigate potential bypasses of the US antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese solar products. By scrutinizing production in emerging hubs like Ethiopia, the Commerce Department is signaling a broader crackdown on supply chains designed to avoid trade tariffs.
The release of these components helps maintain the supply of modules for domestic assembly, potentially stabilizing costs for solar installers. However, the pending inquiry may lead to price fluctuations for solar projects if new duties are applied to cells imported from Ethiopia.
The takeaway
Ongoing federal investigations into trade circumvention mean that manufacturers operating in new international hubs face heightened regulatory scrutiny. Companies must maintain meticulous supply chain documentation to ensure their imports can clear customs without prolonged delays.
What happens next
A preliminary determination for the ongoing circumvention inquiry is scheduled to be released by the Department of Commerce by mid-December 2026. Additionally, Toyo has announced plans to launch pilot production for a new 1.5 GW heterojunction cell line in Texas during the first quarter of 2028.
Further reading
For more background on domestic production trends, visit the United States Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by pv magazine International.
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