China Launches Antidumping Investigation on U.S., Korean Solar Equipment
China's Ministry of Commerce said it will launch an anti-dumping investigation of imports of solar grade polysilicon products originating in the U.S. and South Korea, as a result of a complaint it received July 2. In the July 20 announcement, MofCom said the complaint was from Jiangsu Silicon Technology Development, LDK Solar LDK PV Silicon Technology, Luoyang Sino-silicon high-tech and New Energy Co.
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MofCom said the dumping investigation will cover January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010. It specifically involves material mainly used in solar grade silicon rods and directional solidification of multicrystalline silicon ingot production, and is the main raw material for production of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. The product is owned Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China: 28046190.
MofCom gave parties 20 days to apply to participate in the proceeding at http://gpj.mofcom.gov.cn.
"There's no place in the global solar industry for companies who utilize unilateral trade remedies instead of competitive business strategies," said Jigar Shah, president of the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy, a coalition of American solar companies representing 97% to 98% of the U.S. solar industry jobs. "Tariffs at any point in the global solar value chain are counterproductive and make solar energy less competitive against fossil fuels. Looking at the preliminary tariffs set in the U.S., it's clear that the free flow of solar goods is already disrupted, prices are increasing, jobs are being eliminated, and businesses are adversely impacted at every level of the global solar industry. We urge all countries to avoid unilateral actions that impede trade and resolve conflicts in a bilateral or multilateral context. Specifically, we urge the U.S. and China to rise above SolarWorld's selfish action and engage in productive dialogue to prevent this destructive trade war. Lowering, not artificially raising, the cost of solar should be a global goal."
China had earlier filed a World Trade Organization complaint about U.S. duties on the solar equipment (see ITT's Online Archives 12060125).