STA joins associations from across Europe to call on the EU to reject duties on Chinese manufactured solar modules

UK: The Solar Trade Association (STA) has joined with eight other solar trade associations from across Europe in sending an open letter to European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, expressing deep concerns from across the industry about the potential outcome of the European Commission’s anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against Chinese solar manufacturers.

The letter describes the damage the EU Commission’s investigation has already had; highlighting how the new registration requirements and the threat of retrospective duties have caused orders to be cancelled, contracts to be suspended and created uncertainty that is stifling business.

Our members overwhelmingly indicate that duties at any level are already having a significant impact, dwarfing any possible benefit for European solar producers and setting back the objective for grid parity for years.

Paul Barwell, CEO of the STA said: "The current uncertainty is undermining the industry at all levels. The allegations of dumping simply do not stack up but in the meantime we are facing real difficulties. The STA has signed this letter in an effort to bring home to the Commission the strength of the industry’s views and we hope the Commission will take note."