(Reuters) – A U.S.-based solar organization sought import tariffs for panels manufactured by Chinese companies in Southeast Asia. Federal trade officials refused to identify its members, citing concerns of retaliation from Beijing. According to a Wednesday document filed by the group with the Commerce Department.

American Solar Manufacturers Against Chinese Circumvention filed their latest move in a long-running dispute between the U.S.’s small solar manufacturing sector and a larger group of solar project builders.

U.S. companies are determined to counter low-priced international competition. However, installers depend heavily on inexpensive imports to keep their businesses viable.

In August, the domestic group asked Commerce Department for an investigation into whether Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia imports were illegal. They argued that Chinese companies have moved production to these countries in recent years in order to dodge U.S. tariffs on panels and solar cells made in China.

Late last month, the Commerce Department deferred a decision on the request and asked https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-commerce-seeks-more-detail-domestic-solar-producers-tariff-case-2021-09-29 the group to identify its members.

The group responded to the department by refusing to identify its members and asserting that they could be subject to retribution from China’s solar industry. This Chinese industry dominates global solar supply chains and can cut down supplies of crucial solar panel components such as polysilicon.

According to the filing, “Affording confidential treatments to A-SMACC members is the only way these U.S. firms can protect their vital businesses interests while also seeking the statutory right of protection from unfair trade practice,” it stated.

U.S.-based solar developers make up the bulk of the domestic sector.