Another anti-subsidy investigation in the solar energy sector has been officially opened by the European Commission (EC). The investigation will look into imports of solar glass from China to the EU.
Image Credit: Solar Glass via made-in-china
The complaint was filed by EU ProSun Glass, which claims solar glass from China is being subsidized in China and then sold in the EU at prices below market value, and thus causing material injury to the EU solar glass industry.
The EC has officially launched an anti-subsidy investigation, just after 2 months of the petition being filed by EU ProSun Glass.
Solar glass is a special glass used mainly for the production of solar panels. It is an essential component not just of solar panels, but for many solar energy products.
The anti-subsidy investigation could take up to 13 months. Although, under trade defense rules, the EU could impose provisional anti-subsidy duties within nine months if it considers these necessary.
In order to trigger an investigation, EU ProSun Glass has claimed to represent at least 25% of the European glass manufacturing industry (as required by EU law). The commission said the complainant had brought sufficient evidence of possible subsidies provided by the government of China, and injury suffered by the industry as a result, to warrant the opening of an investigation.
On February 28, the EC initiated anti-dumping proceedings against Chinese solar glass manufacturers.
The European Commission will send out questionnaires to various interested parties, such as exporting producers, Union producers, importers, and associations for information relating to the exports, production, sales, and imports of solar glass, in order to establish if subsidization has taken place and whether the injury claimed is a result of the subsidized imports.
Throughout the investigation, all parties will have the right to make their views and arguments heard by replying to the Commission or by taking part in hearings.
The Council is legally obliged to take a final decision on the imposition of any definitive measures within 13 months of the investigation being started.
