The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has recently determined that crystalline silicon photovoltaic products imported from China and Taiwan could cause serious harm to domestic U.S. industries. As a result, the U.S. government is set to continue its "double-reverse" investigations on these products. This marks the second time since November 2011 that the U.S. has initiated such a probe against Chinese solar products.
According to the U.S. investigation process, the Department of Commerce is expected to issue a preliminary determination on subsidies around March 28, 2014, and will likely announce its preliminary findings on dumping in late June 2014. Industry experts warn that if tariffs are imposed, the entire solar sector could face severe restrictions, with many companies struggling under the new trade barriers.
It's worth noting that the U.S. has been intensifying its sanctions against Chinese solar products, aiming to create a comprehensive "encirclement" strategy. Meanwhile, the U.S. polysilicon industry has found ways to bypass these restrictions through processing trade, which has rendered China’s "double-reverse" measures less effective. In response, industry groups are calling for stronger countermeasures to protect domestic interests.
Earlier in January 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation into solar products imported from China. The scope includes crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether sold individually or as part of larger systems, along with related components like batteries, modules, panels, and building-integrated materials.
Between 2010 and 2012, China’s exports to the U.S. were valued at $1.52 billion, $3.12 billion, and $2.08 billion respectively. In 2011, the U.S. first launched a "double-reverse" investigation against Chinese solar cells, leading to anti-dumping duties ranging from 18.32% to 249%, and countervailing duties between 14.78% and 15.97%.
"This new investigation aims to cover all PV products not included in the previous 2011 probe and also targets Taiwan, effectively creating a full-scale restriction on Chinese solar imports," said a representative from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Mechanical and Electrical Products. They added that these measures are an abuse of trade remedies designed to block fair competition from Chinese companies.
Zheng Lepeng, executive vice president of the Guangdong Solar Energy Association, warned that the expanded scope of this investigation could hit more companies hard, especially those involved in assembling solar cells.
In contrast to the U.S.’s strict stance, China’s "double-reverse" measures against U.S. polysilicon have not produced the desired results. In July 2013, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed temporary anti-dumping and countervailing duties on polysilicon from the U.S. and South Korea. However, the price of imported polysilicon remained low, dropping from about $20 per kg to $18.3 per kg, with annual imports reaching roughly 79,000 tons—nearly matching domestic production.
Industry reports revealed that foreign companies are exploiting loopholes in the "double anti" system by exporting polysilicon to China through processing trade at prices far below cost, avoiding taxes altogether. In November 2013 alone, 71% of polysilicon entering China via processing trade came from overseas, with 98% of U.S.-origin polysilicon imported through this method.
Additionally, imports from Taiwan rose sharply to 792 tons in November 2013, accounting for 10% of total polysilicon imports. Companies are now re-exporting U.S. polysilicon through Taiwan to avoid the "double anti" measures, making this another major loophole in the current system.
Industry leaders believe that while China must continue to defend itself against these trade wars, it should also focus on expanding the domestic market. Implementing policies such as grid connection support and power generation subsidies as soon as possible would help reduce reliance on foreign markets and strengthen the long-term resilience of the solar industry.
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