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EU China solar panel trade war looms | EU China solar panel trade war looms |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The European Commission is on the verge of a trade war with China over the import of solar panels worth 21bn euros (£18bn) a year. | The European Commission is on the verge of a trade war with China over the import of solar panels worth 21bn euros (£18bn) a year. |
It is considering imposing an average "anti-dumping" import tariff of 47%, with a decision expected by 5 June. | It is considering imposing an average "anti-dumping" import tariff of 47%, with a decision expected by 5 June. |
The EC argues China unfairly subsidises its solar panel firms, putting Europe's manufacturers at a disadvantage. | The EC argues China unfairly subsidises its solar panel firms, putting Europe's manufacturers at a disadvantage. |
But some European solar panel makers are warning that such a move would amount to "dangerous protectionism". | But some European solar panel makers are warning that such a move would amount to "dangerous protectionism". |
"Protective duties are poisonous for the solar industry", said Udo Mohrstedt, chief executive of IBC Solar, a Germany-based global manufacturer. | "Protective duties are poisonous for the solar industry", said Udo Mohrstedt, chief executive of IBC Solar, a Germany-based global manufacturer. |
"These guarding measures will endanger more than 70,000 jobs in medium-sized companies in Germany alone. The Commission must stop this dangerous protectionism." | "These guarding measures will endanger more than 70,000 jobs in medium-sized companies in Germany alone. The Commission must stop this dangerous protectionism." |
Wouter Vermeersch, chief executive of the Belgian company Cleantec Trade, agrees. | |
"The solar business is very price sensitive", he said in a statement issued by the Alliance for Affordable Solar Energy, where Cleantec is a member. | |
"Solar companies already had to cope with continuously decreasing feed-in tariffs in the past. | |
"If prices are artificially increased by punitive tariffs, the European solar market would simply come to a standstill with disastrous effects on green jobs." | |
Trade dispute | Trade dispute |
Trade officials from all 27 countries in the European Union are expected to be briefed on the proposals at in meeting on 15 May. | Trade officials from all 27 countries in the European Union are expected to be briefed on the proposals at in meeting on 15 May. |
The provisional tariffs would be imposed even though the EC's official investigation is only nine months into its 15-month duration. | The provisional tariffs would be imposed even though the EC's official investigation is only nine months into its 15-month duration. |
The EC can do this if it considers there is clear evidence that companies are being harmed. | The EC can do this if it considers there is clear evidence that companies are being harmed. |
If the EC believes China has not altered its trade practices after the full 15-month investigation comes to an end in December, the provisional tariffs could be imposed for five years. | If the EC believes China has not altered its trade practices after the full 15-month investigation comes to an end in December, the provisional tariffs could be imposed for five years. |
The case, involving over 100 Chinese companies exporting photovoltaic and solar panels worth 21bn euros (£17.8bn; £27.7bn) a year, is the EU's largest ever trade dispute. | The case, involving over 100 Chinese companies exporting photovoltaic and solar panels worth 21bn euros (£17.8bn; £27.7bn) a year, is the EU's largest ever trade dispute. |
The Chinese could appeal against the EU's decision to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and to the World Trade Organisation. | The Chinese could appeal against the EU's decision to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and to the World Trade Organisation. |
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