Friday, July 27, 2012

Panel Trade War Spreads to Europe

EU trade complaint backed by more than 20 mostly anonymous companies

27.07.2012: A group of more than 20 European solar companies has launched EU ProSun, a new industry organization set up to support a trade complaint against Chinese solar manufacturers that was filed with the European Commission earlier this week. The organization, which says its member companies represent the majority of EU solar industrial production, calls on the European Commission to investigate unfair trade practices by Chinese manufacturers. Milan Nitzschke, a spokesman for German photovoltaic company SolarWorld AG, will act as the organization’s spokesman and president. Nitzschke confirmed to PHOTON that SolarWorld and insolvent German manufacturer Sovello GmbH are both part of the group, but he refused to provide a complete list of member companies. The Italian association of PV producers Comitato IFI acknowledged it is a member of EU ProSun – its president, Sandro Cremonesi, told PHOTON: “The request for an antidumping investigation has been strongly supported by our association, which aims to stop Chinese solar producers from invading the market with dumping prices.” Meanwhile, Tomás Díaz, a spokesman for Spanish solar association UNEF, said his association was not against the SolarWorld petition per se, but he said incentives would better serve the Spanish market: “We believe the local industry must be supported, but with incentive measures, not restrictive measures.” The European Photovoltaic Industry Association released a statement calling for a “quick and fair resolution to disputes over solar trade practices.” In China, meanwhile, the country’s four largest photovoltaic companies – Suntech, Yingli Green Energy, Trina Solar and Canadian Solar – urged the Chinese government to take action. According to Reuters, the four companies held a common a press briefing in Beijing. At the event, Yingli Green Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer Wang Yiyu told the press: “If the EU were to follow the precedent of the US and launch an antidumping investigation on Chinese solar products, the Chinese solar industry would suffer a fatal blow. We call on the Chinese government to take all necessary and resolute measures to protect the legitimate interests of the Chinese solar industry.” The companies noted that nearly 60 percent of China’s solar exports, worth $35.8 billion, were shipped to the EU in 2011. … Sources: Reuters, EU ProSun, EPIA; Summary: PHOTON

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/26/us-china-solar-eu-idUSBRE86P
05820120726

http://www.epia.org/epia-policy-department.html

The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link:
http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/68070.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

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