China says solar import duties in US to increase trade tension

Jun 4, 2014 - China's Ministry of Commerce said today it was “strongly dissatisfied” with the US’ decision to impose preliminary anti-subsidy duties on imports of China-made solar equipment, warning that the move will aggravate the trade conflict between the two countries.

On Tuesday, the US Department of Commerce said that Wuxi Suntech Power Co, which was recently acquired by China-based Shunfeng Photovoltaic International Ltd (HKG:1165), and five of its affiliated companies will be subject a duty of 35.21%. Trina Solar Ltd (NYSE:TSL) faces a preliminary rate of 18.56%, while all other Chinese solar manufacturers will pay a duty of 26.89% for selling their products into the US. The measure includes photovoltaic (PV) panels assembled with cells from Taiwan.

In its ruling, the US government has ignored some facts and legal grounds, according to the Chinese statement. the decision is also seen as an abuse of trade agreements. The Chinese Commerce Ministry also expressed hopes that the US will handle the case cautiously and cancel the duties as soon as possible.

The US Department of Commerce is expected to make a final decision on the anti-subsidy case on August 18. Final results from the International Trade Commission (ITC) probe are expected on October 3. The order for the duties, if approved, is to be issued on October 10, while the case will be terminated if ITC is against the charges.

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