Pakistan vs United States: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to Pakistan and United States β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both Pakistan and United States offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π Pakistan Asia | π United States North America |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% on solar panels (duty-free import since 2014) | 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 | 18% Sales Tax | Sales tax varies by state (0-9%) |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Karachi, Port Qasim | Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Savannah, New York/Newark |
| Typical Lead Time | 20-28 days sea freight from Shanghai | 18-28 days sea freight from Shanghai to LA/Long Beach |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Karachi | 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 (industrial), 540-580W (residential β unusual for the market) | 550-600W bifacial for utility, 400-440W mono for residential |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Karachi TOPCon 580W: ~$0.088-0.095/W. 2024-25 import wave driving aggressive pricing. | Landed CIF LA utility-scale TOPCon 610W: ~$0.15-0.18/W (Q1 2026). UFLPA compliance documentation mandatory. |
Regulatory Notes
π Pakistan
Explosive growth: 16 GW imported in a single year (2024). Grid instability + low panel prices = home/industrial rooftop boom. Net metering stable. Payment terms: LC preferred (sight/usance), TT second option.
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 Pakistan Delivery
JUST SOLAR accepts LC Pakistan + ships to Karachi monthly. Bifacial 580W stock for industrial rooftops.
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.