A global solar trade war continues to loom as India joins the group of countries that have been conducting anti-dumping probes against firms in China.India,however,also aims to investigate solar firms from Malaysia,the US,and Taiwan.
A solar trade war has been looming for the past two years with the main target being China-based solar firms.This is because China's solar supply chain is the world's largest and has been penetrating major markets such as the EU and the US.
China-based solar firms have been gaining market share in Europe and the US using low price products,which caused EU-and US-based solar firms to suffer losses,prompting them to begin lobbying governments to start anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against China-based peers.
In particular,the investigation in the US has been finalized and punitive tariffs against China-based firms will be in effect after the US Department of Commerce signs the policy on November 30,2012.
Europe has also began its anti-dumping investigation against China-based solar firms.Many EU-based solar firms believe an anti-subsidy investigation should also be initiated.
Even emerging solar markets such as India and Australia are considering conducting anti-dumping investigations.This means the future for developing solar power is certain for these markets.
By engaging in a solar trade war,emerging markets are not only protecting the development of their own infant industries,many firms believe solar will become a nation's strategic resource,like crude oil.Engaging in the trade war protects a country's resources.In fact,before the beginning of the anti-dumping investigation,India began setting up import barriers against China-based products.
