Greentech Lead Europe: Trina Solar has expressed disappointment with the European Commission’s determination on preliminary anti-dumping (“AD”) duties imposed by the European Commission.
On June 4, 2013, the European Commission announced a preliminary affirmative AD determination imposing an anti-dumping duty on imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic wafers, cells, and modules originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China.
“Trina Solar is disappointed with the European Commission’s preliminary conclusion, as we disagree that we have dumped imports into the European market. The decision will negatively affect the European solar industry and is against the interests of the global solar market,” said Ben Hill, president of Trina Solar Europe.
A provisional AD duty of 11.8 percent will be applied for two months on the imports of these PV products, including Trina Solar’s, into European Union member countries beginning on June 6, 2013.
After August 6, 2013, increased provisional AD duty rates of 37 percent to 67 percent are to be applied to these imports, including a rate of 51.5 percent on PV products from Trina Solar, unless the EU and China reach agreement on an alternative resolution to the matter.
The European Commission is to decide by December 5, 2013, if “definitive,” or final AD duties will be imposed for five years.
“Trina Solar’s industry expertise, innovation, and global presence have helped to create great value for our stakeholders,” said Jifan Gao, chairman and chief executive officer of Trina Solar. “Trina Solar remains committed to continuing to serve our customers and business partners in Europe, with whom we have built strong relationships, during this period of regulatory instability. We will continue to work together to deliver industry leading solutions.”
However, Gao said the company will continue to cooperate with the European Commission’s investigation, and use evidence to defend its position that these duties are unwarranted and serve as an impediment to the broader adoption of solar energy as a sustainable energy source.
“We urge all parties involved to seek a mutually beneficial solution through consultation and negotiation. As a forward-thinking global company, we will continue to deploy options to most effectively serve all of our solar markets,” Gao said.