Last week, SolarWorld AG, and several other US-based solar-panel suppliers in the U.S., filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission alleging China is dumping products in the US market at prices below the cost of production and injuring U.S. solar companies.
Particularly irksome to the group are hefty subsidies the Chinese government bestows on its manufacturers.
But a statement issued by China's Commerce Ministry said the United States has long had similar policies in place to protect the its domestic solar industry.
"If the U.S. government files a case, adopts duties and sends an inappropriate protectionist signal, it would cast a shadow over world economic recovery," the statement said. "The U.S. has no reason to criticize other countries' efforts to improve the world's environment."
The Ministry called on US officials to reject the coalition's call for tariffs on Chinese products. The US market has become a battleground for the solar industry as nations Europe have rolled back incentives, and US President Barack Obama has continued to tout the renewable energy sector as a potential job creator.
At the same time, the solar market has begun to take off, with installed capacity expected to double this year, according to several forecasts and reports.
While US manufacturers understandably expect to have a leg up in the market, China has proven to be as Über competitive in the US as it has been everywhere else around the globe.
In just a few short years, Chinese companies such as Suntech Power, Trina Solar, Yingli Green Energy and JA Solar have risen to be among the top 10 solar cell and panel makers in the world.
On the heels of the Ministry’s response, Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd, took a dismissive stance.
“Anyone can file one of these actions; having filed an action is in no way a validation from the US government as to the merits of the action,” the company said in a written statement. “Companies listed in the petition are not subject to a single blanket judgment, and each individual company, including Suntech, will respond in accordance with ITC & DOC guidelines.
“As a global company listed on the NYSE, we are confident in our position and well-prepared to substantiate our strict adherence to fair international trade practices,” the statement continued. “Until the issue is resolved, we will continue to work with our customers and partners to ensure business as usual.”
Trina Solar Ltd. said the allegations made by the US firms will ultimately prove to be unfounded.
“Trina Solar’s transactions with its US customers were made in accordance with international trade practices.,” it said. “The company has, and will continue to, adhere to prudent and recognised
United States industry practices and standards. Trina Solar is confident that these facts will be affirmed within the proceedings.”
Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd., also issued a statement. It said simply, "We intend to mount a vigorous defence."
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