SolarIndustryMag.com: China Accuses U.S. Of Solar Trade Violations, SEIA Responds

China Accuses U.S. Of Solar Trade Violations, SEIA Responds

by SI Staff on Friday 25 May 2012

comments: 0

Incentive programs for solar and other forms of renewable energy in five U.S. states violate international free-trade rules and treaties, according to China's Ministry of Commerce. Bloomberg reports that the ministry has ruled that renewable energy incentive programs in California, New Jersey and other states break World Trade Organization rules.

In addition, 14 China-based PV manufacturers have formed a new coalition in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) announcement last week that tariffs would be applied to solar modules exported from China to the U.S.

Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released a statement calling for international dialogue and reiterating his previous warning that trade conflicts can hurt the global solar sector.

"While trade remedy proceedings - such as those being pursued by both the U.S. and Chinese governments - are legitimate, essential principles of a rules-based global trading system, so too are collaboration and negotiation," Resch said. "Now is the time for the U.S. and China to come together in a collaborative dialogue - not through the lens of any one particular trade dispute, but in a broader context."

SEIA and the China Renewable Energy Industries Association have requested that the U.S. and Chinese governments engage the 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in a formal clean energy dialogue on trade. According to SEIA, this conversation would provide an "excellent framework" for a much larger, global agreement on acceptable solar energy policy.

"In the long run, continually escalating trade disputes in the solar industry will shut down markets around the world," Resch predicted. "Companies from all nations will be the ultimate losers. Exporters will find fewer and fewer destinations for their products.

"Large project developers and local installers will find it more and more difficult to source products," he continued. "And consumers will see solar energy as a less-competitive source of electricity."

SEIA's calls for international dialogue have not been universally accepted by solar manufacturers. SolarWorld, which led the initial trade complaint against China that resulted in the DOC's tariffs, has accused SEIA of breaking its stated pledge of neutrality in the case.

Latest Top Stories

Test Centers Report On PV Module Durability Initiative

Fraunhofer test laboratories have issued their first report on PV module durability based on a new test regime meant to simulate real-world conditions in a variety of climates over time. What does it take to be world-class solar?

Global PV Thrives As Reports Say Renewables Hit $244 Billion In 2012

Two international reports on global renewable energy spending say investments dipped last year due in part to falling solar prices. However, overall demand remained strong, notably in developing economies.

Report Says Solar Was 48% Of New U.S. Electric Capacity In Q1 Of 2013

According to a new industry report, the U.S. installed 723 MW of new solar capacity in the first quarter of this year, a 33% increase over the same quarter of 2012. What does the future hold?

EU Publishes Duty Rates On Chinese Solar Products

The European Commission reveals the duty rates it plans to impose on Chinese solar firms come Aug. 6. Which companies will face the highest tariffs?

EU Imposes Chinese Solar Tariffs: A Prod Rather Than A Slap?

The European Commission has decided to impose long-expected tariffs on solar products from China. However, the rate is lower than initially anticipated, with increases slated if trade talks break down. Will the program produce a deal or spark a trade war?

Submit comment