KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 -- Malaysia has become collateral damage in a growing trade conflict between the United States and Chinese solar firms operating in Southeast Asia.

According to a Bloomberg report, the US government yesterday imposed new import duties on solar panels from Malaysia and three other countries, accusing them of benefiting from Chinese subsidies and unfair pricing.

Malaysia now faces a blanket import duty of 34.4 per cent, while some Malaysian-linked firms will see even higher rates.

The ruling stems from a US investigation prompted by domestic solar companies concerned about foreign competition undermining their business.

Jinko Solar, which exports from Malaysia and Vietnam, was hit with duties of 40 per cent and 24...