U.K. Solar Group Urges EU to Oppose China Anti-Dumping Tariffs

13/05/2013 12:00 - 438 Views

European Union member nations should oppose proposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels that may hinder free trade and market growth, the U.K.’s Solar Trade Association said.

The provisional tariffs will increase the cost of photovoltaic panels imported from China and other countries and slow growth, the lobby group said in a statement.

“These duties, if imposed, will damage the U.K. solar market, particularly the large scale ground-mount sector,” Paul Barwell, its chief executive officer, said yesterday. “This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the U.K.’s commitment to both free trade and the environment by urging the other member states to vote ‘no’ to these duties.”

The European Commission plans to introduce levies of as much as 67.9 percent by June 6 to punish Chinese manufacturers for selling panels in the 27-nation bloc below cost, a practice known as dumping, an official told Bloomberg May 8 on the condition of anonymity.

“The duties will actually result in a net reduction in EU solar jobs, restrict the growth of the solar market, and damage Europe’s chances of meeting its 2020 renewable targets,” Barwell said, urging the U.K. government to vote against them.

May 9, 2013 8:26 PM GMT

By Marc Roca

Source: Bloomberg.com