Chinese Solar Panel Makers Brace for EU Tariffs

Chinese solar panel makers are bracing for more tariff battles, after the United States imposed an anti-dumping tariff on their products last week.

The US ruling came from a complaint filed last October by the US subsidiary of Germany's SolarWorld AG, and six other US companies. They alleged unfair competition from their Chinese counterparts and had sought duties well above 100 percent.

Last week the US set the tariff at around 31%.

Now SolarWorld AG is planning a similar move in Europe, forming a coalition to peition the EU to take a stronger stance on anti-dumping action by Chinese manufacturers. 

Shi Zhengrong, from Chinese company Suntech Power Holdings, said the EU tariffs are a possibility. The world’s largest solar panel maker warned against the move though.

[Shi Zhengrong, Chairman and Chief Executive of Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd]
"There is a possibility but from our point of view, we have to communicate with European countries, with all foreign governments, because we believe fair competition and free trade is the only way to promote economy globally, especially what we are doing is good for our kids, for the future."

Europe accounts for the majority of sales for Chinese solar companies, at around 70%.

The European Union is required to make a ruling on the tariff request within 45 days, if more than one quarter of Europe’s solar makers sign the petition.

SolarAG is expected to file the petition at the end of July.