Mexico vs United States: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to Mexico and United States β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both Mexico and United States offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π Mexico North America | π United States North America |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% (duty-free for solar modules under PROSEC) | 0% (Section 201 safeguard expired Feb 2026) |
| Anti-Dumping | None | AD/CVD from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia (2024 petition), 25% Section 301 on China-origin cells |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 16% IVA | Sales tax varies by state (0-9%) |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Manzanillo (Pacific), LΓ‘zaro CΓ‘rdenas, Veracruz (Atlantic), Altamira | Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Savannah, New York/Newark |
| Typical Lead Time | 22-28 days sea freight Pacific route from Shanghai | 18-28 days sea freight from Shanghai to LA/Long Beach |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Manzanillo, DDP Monterrey (for nearshoring projects) | CIF Long Beach, DDP |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar | First Solar (local), JinkoSolar US, Qcells (Georgia plant), LONGi, Canadian Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 540-580W bifacial (C&I dominant), 450-550W (distributed generation) | 550-600W bifacial for utility, 400-440W mono for residential |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Manzanillo TOPCon 560W: ~$0.10-0.11/W. Nearshoring boosts industrial rooftop demand. | Landed CIF LA utility-scale TOPCon 610W: ~$0.15-0.18/W (Q1 2026). UFLPA compliance documentation mandatory. |
Regulatory Notes
π Mexico
Nearshoring boom: US companies relocating manufacturing β huge industrial rooftop solar demand. CFE grid capacity auctions resumed. UL certification preferred (easier for cross-border projects).
π United States
UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) blocks all Xinjiang-sourced materials β requires complete polysilicon traceability. IRA domestic content bonus (10%) available for US-made cells+modules. AD/CVD circumvention investigation on SE Asia imports.
JUST SOLAR β Mexico Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships via Manzanillo with UL-certified modules β ideal for US-Mexico border industrial projects.
JUST SOLAR β United States Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides full UFLPA polysilicon traceability and ships weekly to Long Beach with customs pre-clearance support.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.