C.O. businesses react to Trump tariffs

President Trump imposed tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines earlier this week.

The news is receiving mixed reactions from solar companies across Oregon.

Solar panel tariffs start at 30 percent and phase out after four years. Washers will be hit with a tariff of up to 50 percent in the first year and the tariff will phase out after three years.

SolarWorld, a manufacturing company based in Hillsboro, told NewsChannel 21 on Friday the tariffs will help revive and rebuild American solar manufacturing.

Tim Brightbill said the company is in the process of hiring more people because of the new tariffs.

“While solar is a strong and growing market, so we’re hopeful that the positive impact will be felt soon and, again, SolarWorld want to take advantage of this and expand manufacturing as quickly as possible,” Brightbill said.

But Sunlight Solar, a business located in Bend that installs solar panels across Central Oregon, said consumers will be paying more for solar power.

Shawn Micken said the price of installing solar panels will go up but it is still a good investment.

“This is not a deal breaker, by any means,” MIcken said. “It’s not even a game changer. I would say it’s more of a temporary setback. So, for folks that are interested in looking into solar, all those reasons that it made sense before it still makes sense.”

It’s not only solar panels. The price of some popular home appliances could be going up.

Overseas companies such as Samsung and LG could see tariffs pop up.

Johnson Brothers Appliances General Manager David Johnson said his business received a letter from Samsung.

“There’s a significant supply of those products in the U.S. already, so no immediate change anticipated,” he said. “We got a letter from manufactures kind of stating that. Samsung, in particular, put out a memo to all of the dealers indicating they have a manufacturing plant in South Carolina that will supply all of the domestic needs, so we don’t anticipate a long-term price impact or an availability impact.”

Johnson said his business could see a shift of consumers buying more American-made washers if LG decides to phase out some of their models.