The Canadian government has launched a complaint under USMCA dispute settlement rules regarding U.S. section 201 “safeguarding” tariffs on solar panel imports. While the timing is curious it will provide a first test for both the dispute mechanism and the incoming Biden administration’s attitude to tariffs, particularly regarding those on imports of strategically important products from allies. Canada represented just 0.5% of U.S. solar panel imports in the 12 months to Nov. 30, while total U.S. imports were unchanged in the past 12 months versus 2016. During that period the big winners ...