BUSINESS I TRADE T
he Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) represents one half of the USA solar debate and have joined other American solar industry associations and suppliers in calling for the US and Chinese governments to engage in a constructive dialogue to avert a destructive global trade war in the solar industry.
CASE’s comments come amidst news reports that China-based companies and India-based companies are seeking anti-subsidy and anti-dumping investigations against companies entering their markets from the US and other countries. Such investigations would follow a process similar to the current US government investigation, instituted by firms producing PV modules in the US including, German-owned SolarWorld, which recently resulted in the preliminary application of significant US tariffs on Chinese solar cells.
“Unless cooler heads prevail, American solar companies could face even more direct and collateral damage than the 30% tax
imposed on many of them last month,” said Jigar Shah, president of the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy. “Already polysilicon companies in China are seeking retaliatory tariffs against US polysilicon manufacturers.,”.
Everyone is not in agreement Two of the largest US solar energy materials suppliers, DuPont and Dow Corning, also came to the defence of free and global trade. These companies are not CASE members, but are both concerned about growing trade tensions in solar energy.
David B. Miller, President of DuPont Electronics and Communications, stated, “A well-developed global supply chain has helped the production of PV panels to reach significant efficiency and economics of scale, bringing quality and durability up and prices down. This is good for global consumers, and good for the expansion of solar energy, creating jobs in the materials supply chain, much of it based here in the US, and for PV installers here in the US and elsewhere. It is important that trade be both free and fair, and important that countries resolve any trade disputes in ways that minimize disruptions in this important PV supply chain.”
Similarly, Robert D. Hansen, President and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation, said, “The opportunity for solar technology to provide clean, renewable, domestically generated energy, as well as economic value and jobs is so great, that there are opportunities for all countries to benefit significantly.
Trade discussions in fast-growth, new technology industries like solar, which also offer a tremendous amount of social
Trade war continues
Last year the USA arm of German solar company SolarWorld instigated a USA investigation into Chinese dumping of solar panels. Now both countries are engaged in accusing the other of price manipulation and punitive judgements are now taking effect and trickling into other industries. The process has divided the US industry, frustrated the Chinese but turned into a boom for other regions. Some are now calling for dialogue to put some rationale to what could become a full blown trade war.
34
www.solar-international.net I Issue V 2012
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40