Brussels, 4 June– The European Commission today announced a provisional tariff on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. The measure comes following a nine-month investigation into accusations that China had been dumping solar products in the European market.
Brussels, 4 June – The European Commission today announced a provisional tariff on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. The measure comes following a nine-month investigation into accusations that China had been dumping solar products in the European market.
The investigation found that Chinese companies are selling solar panels to Europe at far below normal market value, causing significant impact on European manufacturers. The Commission claims that a Chinese produced solar panel should be selling for a price 88% higher than currently sold at.
All Chinese solar imports will face an additional duty of 11.8% for the first two months of the tariff, rising to 47.6% in August 2013 if China and the Commission are not able to find a solution to dispute. This rate will stay in place for four months, before being reviewed again. The EU is imposing a 47.6% tariff, rather than an 88% tariff through the lesser duty rule, which is intended only to restore a level playing field.
Chinese solar producers currently take 80% of the EU market. The new import tariff is intended to protect the EU’s 25,000 jobs in solar production, and encourage the sector to grow. The Commission will decide by December 2013 at the latest if definitive anti-dumping duties will be imposed for a duration of five years.