On Wednesday 8 February, the European Commission decided to propose an 18-month extension of anti-dumping duties to tackle imports of Chinese solar panels. According to the European Commission Vice president, Frans Timmermans, on Wednesday 8 February, this initiative would begin with a gradual phasing out.
Speaking at the end of the weekly meeting of the College of Commissioners, Mr Timmermans explained, “There is no doubt that we have the right to protect our industry from unfair competition, from dumped or subsidised imports. At the same time, we need to take into consideration other companies that rely on these imports to develop their final products and employ thousands of people in the whole Europe. And there is also no doubt that solar energy is essential for our environmental and climate goals”.
He also announced, “That is why the College today took the time for a careful and thorough weighing of the options, taking into account the different interests at stake, including member states opinion”. Mr Timmermans said that “The College proposed to prolong the measures we have in place since 2013 for a further period of 18 months with a gradual phase out”, which would help European solar panel producers to adapt to the new situation.
This proposal now has to be examined by the member states. In January, a majority of them (18) at an experts’ level opposed the Commission’s initial proposal to extend these anti-dumping duties by a further 24 months.
Following a complaint by the association representing European producers of solar modules, EU ProSun, the EU has been imposing these measures since December 2013, as part of an amicable agreement between the Commission and Chinese government in summer 2013.
This agreement is based on a price commitment – respect for a price ceiling capped at €0.56 per watt, which enables Chinese solar panel exporters who cooperate to avoid heavy anti-dumping taxes of almost 50% (see EUROPE 11447). (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)