The solar industry is big business in China. China exported 21 billion euros worth of solar panels and equipment in 2011 to the EU alone. That success has changed the industry in Europe considerably. EU solar panel producers are struggling, with many companies declaring bankruptcy. It's no surprise, as Chinese-made panels are reported to now be as much as 45 percent cheaper than those made in Europe.
But the good times are now due to come to an end, at least temporarily, for Chinese solar product manufacturers. The European Commission announced on Tuesday (04.06.2013) that it was imposing temporary duties as of Thursday on Chinese solar products. They would be phased in, starting at 11.8 percent and rising to 47.6 percent by August 6 if no agreement between China and the EU can be reached by then.
Moving part or all of the panel manufacturing processes to other countries to avoid the tariffs - like Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea – is already being done by one Chinese producer, CSun, so as to avoid tariffs placed on Chinese products by the US.
Some European producers who have urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel to defuse the looming trade conflict and push for a mutual solution instead as tariffs would hurt jobs and undermine solar growth.
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