SOLAR PV FROM CHINA

I just received the following article and thought I would post as it could effect the renewable energy industry across the globe and thought you might enjoy the read.

Here's the article:

The U.S. Department of Commerce upheld tariffs it proposed last year on imports of Chinese crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells and panels. The agency’s final ruling is the result of an investigation of dumping by and inappropriate subsidies to Chinese PV cell manufacturers. In the final determination, Commerce found dumping margins ranging from 18.32% to 249.96% and countervailable subsidies ranging from 14.78% to 15.97%.

Dumping occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the U.S. at less than its fair value. Countervailable subsidies are the result of financial assistance from foreign governments that benefit the production of goods by foreign companies.

This will affect solar energy developers who import Chinese solar products because their market prices will likely reflect the tariffs. It will also affect U.S. manufacturers of solar cells because it may help them to better compete with imported solar products.

The scope of the investigation included crystalline silicon PV cells, and modules, laminates, and panels consisting thereof, either partially or fully assembled into other products. The investigation covered modules, laminates, and panels produced in a third country from cells produced in China. Modules, laminates, and panels produced in China from cells produced in a third country, however, are not covered.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has also made its final determination that US industry was harmed by imports of Chinese solar cells.

This decision has broad implications for international trade, renewable energy, and U.S. manufacturing. Recently, the Obama administration has become increasingly critical of Chinese trade practices.

Commerce is also investigating wind turbine towers and other products from China and is expected to launch new investigations into other Chinese products. The European Union is also investigating whether to impose duties on Chinese solar panel imports. China has struck back by launching an investigation into imports of solar-grade polysilicon from the U.S.

Commerce's determinations come at a time of increased trade tensions between the two countries and in an apparent escalation of trade confrontation. This case continues to be worthy of the industry’s close attention.

This webinar will cover the anti-dumping and countervailing duties and their impact on the solar project development market. Participation is recommended for all those interested in solar energy and its development in the U.S.



Moderator:
Jack N. Semrani, Esq., Ballard Spahr LLP

Panelists:
Nicholas Franco, Sustainability Coordinator, U.S. Energy Services, Inc.
Mike Grunow, Marketing Director – Americas, Trinasolar
Jeffrey Swanson, Operations Manager – Solar Construction, TETRA TECH