EU launches probe into Chinese solar glass
Updated: 2013-03-02 10:24
By Du Juan (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
The European Union launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solar glass from China on Thursday, a move seen by industry observers as a way to pressure China amid a long-running dispute over solar panel technology.
The European Commission said on its website that the investigation is based on a complaint lodged by EU ProSun Glass, an association representing European solar glass manufacturers, which claims that solar glass from China is being dumped in the EU at prices below market value and causing material injury to the EU solar glass industry.
"Trade protectionism is bad for both sides," said Meng Xian'gan, deputy director of the China Renewable Energy Society. "It is really wrong to escalate the trade disputes. However, if the EU continues to pressure China, we have to take action to protect our trading rights."
In September, the EU started an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese solar panel products, following the United States, which had imposed punitive tariffs of up to 250 percent on imported Chinese solar panel products.
According to the EC's statement, the solar glass case is a stand-alone investigation concerning a clearly distinct product and has no direct relation with the previous investigations into Chinese solar panel products.
The investigation will take up to 15 months, although under trade defense rules the EU could impose provisional anti-dumping duties within nine months if necessary.
In addition, the commission said it had not received any anti-subsidy complaints on China's solar glass so far.
Solar glass is special glass used mainly to make solar panels. It is an essential component not only of solar panels, but of many other solar energy products.
According to the EC, the EU's solar glass market is worth less than 200 million euros ($262 million).
China's solar panel manufacturing industry had been developing rapidly in the past few years before the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probes were launched by the US.
Related Readings
China's solar power companies forecast losses
Anti-dumping penalty to hurt EU economy
Year-ender: trade disputes
China's solar products exports drop sharply
Related Stories
China imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on toluidine 2013-02-28 17:54
China to evaluate WTO report on anti-dumping duties on X-ray equipment 2013-02-27 22:06
Argentina imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese ceramic tiles 2013-02-22 21:43
China extends anti-dumping duties on EU potato starch 2013-02-05 17:17
China imposes anti-dumping duties on US, EU monobutyl ether 2013-01-26 02:53
Today's Top News
Police continue manhunt for 2nd bombing suspect
H7N9 flu transmission studied
8% growth predicted for Q2
Nuke reactor gets foreign contract
First couple on Time's list of most influential
'Green' awareness levels drop in Beijing
Palace Museum spruces up
Trading channels 'need to broaden'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |
Firms crave cyber connection |