EU imposes provisional anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels

Press conference by Karel De Gucht, Member of the European Commission in charge of Trade on the EC decision to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. (EC Audiovisual Services, 4/6/2013)

Today the European Commission has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China.

The relevant Press releaese goes like that,”This decision follows a thorough and serious investigation and extended contacts with market players. As the market for and imports of solar panels in the EU is very large, it is important for this duty not to disrupt it. Therefore, a phased approach will be followed with the duty set at 11.8% until 6 August 2013. From August on the duty will be set at the level of 47.6% which is the level required to remove the harm caused by the dumping to the European industry.

The European Commission reiterates its readiness to pursue discussions with Chinese exporters and with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in order to find a solution in line with Article 8 of the Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation so that provisional duties can be suspended and a negotiated solution achieved.

The European Commission reaffirms its readiness to have the EU-China Joint Committee in the next weeks at a mutually agreeable date to discuss in a constructive manner all topics of our trade relations in line with our common WTO commitments and in the spirit of our strategic partnership.”