Merkel to seek political solution for China, EU solar industry conflict

Sep 17, 2012 - Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel aims to find a political solution for the solar industry conflict between the European Union (EU) and China despite the launched EU anti-dumping investigation on Chinese imports of solar products.

Merkel said on Monday that such an investigation is expected to take months and therefore, there is enough time for further talks on the matter. The Chancellor announced her readiness for talks at the end of last month during her visit in China.

The investigation of the European Commission (EC) was initiated at the beginning of September in response to accusations from European companies that Chinese peers were selling at prices below market value. As a whole, the investigation will take 15 months, whereas it is possible to impose preliminary anti-dumping duties within nine months, provided there is sufficient evidence of dumping, the EC said at the time.

A similar investigation in the US earlier this year led to preliminary anti-dumping tariffs of between 31% and 250% for China-made solar cells and modules.

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