EU, China seek solution to Chinese solar panel dumping

The European Commission says talks have not begun.

The EC was reacting to a claim by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products that it had made an offer during a visit to Brussels but was rebuffed by the EC.

“These claims are simply wrong and misleading for one simple reason, no formal negotiations are yet ongoing between the EU and China in the solar panel anti-dumping case,” said the EU.

According to EU law, formal negotiations can begin only after preliminary findings from the investigation are published in the EU’s Official Journal.

The EU currently accounts for half of China’s solar exports. The United States last year imposed anti-dumping duties on solar cells imported from China. The EC said on May 8 it would take similar Brussels accuses the Chinese of selling panels below cost.

During informal talks last week, CCCME made an offer that will see Chinese producers voluntarily raise their prices to avoid duties. CCCME claims the EU has shown no flexibility, “so it makes China very angry.”

EU regulators agreed to impose solar panel duties averaging 47% earlier this month.