AFASE calls on EU to cautiously set min import prices for Chinese solar panels

Jul 29, 2013 - The European Union (EU) should not set the minimum price for Chinese solar equipment too high as this would affect “a significant number of jobs throughout the solar value chain”, the Alliance for Affordable Solar Energy (AFASE) warned.

In a statement on Saturday, the organisation once again called on policy-makers to be cautious when agreeing on price increases as this could further reduce demand in Europe.

On Friday it became clear that the EU and China have reached a settlement in their solar dispute, agreeing that China-made solar equipment will be sold in the EU above fixed floor prices. However, the EU did not reveal any terms, saying that further details can be disclosed after the European Commission adopts the price undertaking scheme.

Thorsten Preugschas, AFASE chairman and chief executive of Soventix GmbH, pointed out that a high floor price for Chinese solar imports would result in many lay-offs in the EU and force solar companies to look for business opportunities outside the continent.

The EU last month announced its decision to levy provisional anti-dumping charges of between 37.2% and 67.9% on Chinese imports of solar panels, cells and wafers. For two months starting on June 6, defined as a transitional period, Chinese solar imports are subject to a tariff of 11.8%. After August 6 the full duties, standing at 47.6% on average, are to enter into force if the two sides do not reach a compromise.

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