China-based solar firm China Sunergy (Csun) announced the opening of its new solar product manufacturing facility in Turkey at the end of May. This announcement came days before the announcement regarding anti-dumping tariffs of 11.8% on China-made solar products made by the European Commission (EC).
Choosing Turkey as the location of the new plant is a smart move by Csun. Location wise, Turkey is close to Europe, still the world's biggest solar market, hence transport costs are relatively lower compared to shipping products from China. Secondly, the punitive tariff is focused on solar imports from China, hence having a plant in another country is beneficial to Csun. In addition, Turkey is an up and coming country for solar producers. According to PV Magazine, the standard solar FIT is US$0.133/kWh in Turkey, with a local content premium being paid additionally. This means it would be much easier for Csun to enter Turkey's solar market by having a local plant.
While Europe and China continue to negotiate over solar imports, China-based solar firms have been looking to expand operations and avoid tariffs by setting up plants in other locations.
