DOC moves to place tariffs on Chinese solar panels

The Department of Commerce made a final determination, Oct. 10, thatChinese manufacturers are dumping solar panels into the U.S. market at less than fair value, and moved to impose tariffs on imports of Chinese crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, regardless of whether or not they are assembled into modules.

The International Trade Commission now has to determine that U.S. producers of solar panels are being hurt by Chinese dumping practices in order for the DOC ruling to take effect. The ITC trade panel is expected to announce its ruling in November.

Excess manufacturing capacity, especially from China, has led to a significant drop in module prices, according to theCongressional Research Service.This low pricing has negatively impacted domestic solar panel manufacturers, and glass manufacturers down the supply chain are feeling the effects. Read more...