Under the Biden administration's Section 301 adjustments, lithium-ion batteries for non-EV applications (like our grid-scale BESS) are slated to jump from 7. 5% to 25% starting January 1, 2026.
How will Section 301 tariffs affect Bess batteries?
The biggest impact comes from Section 301 tariffs, which add 25% to the cost of many battery components. Here's the rundown: As of March 22, 2025, BESS manufactured in China and shipped to the U.S. faces a tariff rate that's already a bit of a gut punch.
How will tariff chaos affect the stationary battery energy storage industry?
Tariff chaos reigns supreme in the development of the US stationary battery energy storage industry. Facing extraordinary tariffs of 145% on BESS imports into the country, developers will have to rely on inventory to realize projects. When these stockpiles are exhausted the outlook is unclear. Even the 145% tariff rate is uncertain.
How will China's new battery tariffs affect us Bess integrators?
The new tariffs on batteries from China will increase costs for US BESS integrators by 11-16%, consultancy Clean Energy Associates said, adding that new guidance around the domestic content ITC adder will make it easier to access.
What is a Bess battery installation?
Typical BESS installations include numerous batteries, containers housing the batteries, foundations on which the batteries are affixed, a battery management system, equipment to connect the batteries to the grid, and equipment for monitoring and safety.
Are Chinese tariffs affecting battery energy storage systems?
If you're in the business of battery energy storage systems (BESS), you've probably felt the squeeze of tariffs on Chinese imports. For years, China has been a go-to for affordable, high-capacity energy storage solutions, but ongoing trade policies and tariffs have made importing these systems into the U.S. more complicated — and expensive.
The increase in tariffs for lithium-ion batteries from China from 7% to 25% was announced last week (14 May), effective this year for EV batteries and from 2026 for non-EV batteries, including battery energy storage system (BESS). Industry reaction to the move has been mixed, as we reported this week (Premium access).