# India probes Ethiopian solar imports as exporters seek European market 2026-08-06T11:15:57+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets India is examining whether Chinese-linked solar cells are entering through Ethiopia to avoid Indian trade barriers. Imports from Ethiopia rose from zero to $202 million in 2025-26, with solar cells accounting for 81% of India’s total imports from the country, Livemint reports. The renewable energy ministry has asked the finance and commerce ministries to check possible violations of country-of-origin rules and duty exemptions. The US has also opened a similar inquiry into Ethiopian solar products using Chinese components. Indian manufacturers are meanwhile targeting Europe as US tariffs slow shipments. The opportunity depends partly on a proposed India-EU free trade agreement and European efforts to reduce dependence on China. Chinese panels remain up to 30% cheaper than Indian products in Europe, while India’s module exports reached $2 billion in FY24, mainly to the US. ## Coverage - livemint.com - livemint.com Tags: China, Ethiopia, imports, solar energy, trade policy Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/india-seeks-probe-into-ethiopia-solar-cell-import-surge/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/india-seeks-probe-into-ethiopia-solar-cell-import-surge/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.