U.S.-based solar panel manufacturers are expected to file a petition Oct. 19 alleging that Chinese solar panel makers and cell manufacturers are making it hard to compete in the U.S. market.
According to Renewable Energy World North America, the petition was filed jointly with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The U.S. companies claim panel makers and cell manufacturers are receiving unfair subsidies from the Chinese government.
A finding on behalf of U.S. companies would lead to tariffs being imposed on solar panels imported from China possibly as soon as next spring, the article said.
The ITC has 45 days to issue its preliminary determination, while the Department of Commerce has 180 days, the article said. Following the ITC determination, Commerce has up to six months to implement preliminary dumping duties, the article said. Panels could be sold to the U.S. during that time period, but any indication that products were being pushed through to avoid pending tariffs would reportedly make some of the transactions subject to penalty.
