The department delayed the decision on imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels from March 27 to May 17.
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In the latest trade spat with China, America said it would impose tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels because of alleged export subsidies.
On March 5, the European Commission ordered its member states to register imports of Chinese solar panels and their main components, an administrative step underscoring punitive duties to be applied retroactively if fault is found in the investigations.
But more importantly, the U.S is also investigating whether Chinese exports of solar panels might have received illegal subsidies or have been dumped in the American market at prices below the cost of manufacturing them.
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In addition to U.S. imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese-made solar panels and wind towers, the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States recommended that President Obama block a Chinese purchase of a U.S. wind farm in Oregon, which he did, reaffirming his view of China as an economic rival.
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U.S. trade authorities are investigating domestic manufacturers' claims that Chinese rivals are dumping solar panels into the U.S. market.
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In September, the EU launched a probe into alleged "dumping" of solar panels by Chinese manufacturers.
Already reeling from an overabundance of cheap PV solar panels form Chinese manufactures over the last two years, Spanish solar companies saw government support evaporate in recent months, with little promised from the new government than further cuts.
By converting a five-storey "tong lau" -- an old Chinese building -- with solar panels, a turfed roof and energy efficient appliances, Khan also is keen to emphasize that his eco-friendly flat is as much about preserving the old and a sense of heritage as it is about being green.
The complaint contended that the Chinese companies were receiving unfair financial and other help from the Chinese government, and they were selling solar panels at below fair market values.
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Under the rules, Chinese companies are also not allowed to export solar panels below cost.
While Silicon Valley companies were working on the problem, silicon prices fell and Chinese companies like JA Solar, Suntech and Yingli Green Energy rapidly expanded production of conventional solar panels, supported by tens of billions of dollars in inexpensive credit from the Chinese government as well as other subsidies like cheap land.
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On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it would start charging 31% higher import duties on China made solar panels and equipment after a finding that Chinese solar panel makers were selling goods in the U.S. below market prices.
Launched by European Commission on behalf of EU Pro Sun, an industry association of solar producers from 20 EU countries, the investigation suggests that Chinese companies have been able to dump under market price solar panels and parts on European consumers at a loss thanks to significant financial support from the state.
As the tariff causes prices to rise for solar panels, the losers extend well beyond just Chinese panel manufacturers.
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The European Union has launched an investigation into alleged "dumping" of solar panels into the region's markets by Chinese manufacturers.
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The U.S. Department of Commerce recently sided with petitioners of such a trade complaint and imposed tariffs after finding that Chinese solar companies have indeed received illegal government subsidies and sold solar panels at below cost.
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Alas, it will never sell any products, because our lovingly-made, middle-class nourishing solar panels with a conscience cost many times more than Chinese-made competition.
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The Chinese government is spending vast sums of money to subsidize deployment of solar panels and wind turbines, and as a result China appears to be winning the race to dominate this growing sector.
In May the U.S. Commerce Department said it would subject Chinese exporters to anti-dumping tariffs of up to 250% on solar panels.
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Manufacturing of solar panels and related products is picking up as price pressures from Chinese solar manufacturers are felt by U.S. solar companies.
But over the past few years, the rapid expansion of low-cost Chinese manufacturers like Suntech, Yingli and Trina has sent the cost of conventional solar panels plummeting.
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SolarWorld said the U.S. found that Chinese solar-panel makers obtained illegal subsidies from Beijing and will levy duties on solar panels and cells from China.
In an interesting variation on this theme, last year construction giant KB Home struck a deal with a Chinese solar company, BYD, to build new, moderately-priced homes with solar panels already installed in Lancaster, California.
The stock market has also been a boon to many Chinese companies, which have jumped into the business of building everything from solar wafers to finished panels.
As shares of Suntech and other Chinese solar companies plunge into penny-stock territory amid fraud accusations and a global glut of photovoltaic panels made for residential rooftops, U.S. leader First Solar saw its stock jump nearly 25% Thursday after it forecast a growing market for putting its panels on the ground in the form of giant power plants that it designs and builds.
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According to polysilicon producer Renewable Energy, the move by the Chinese government to set up preferential tariffs to boost cleaner energy sources could herald the shift in demand for solar panels from Europe to Asia and the U.S. Some optimistic estimates suggest that China may add as much as 7 GW this year, which is roughly equal the capacity added in Germany in 2011.
If the Chinese do impose a tariff, American polysilicon producers will lose access to a significant market while the cost of solar panels will rise significantly everywhere making everyone a loser.
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