EU divided over punitive solar panel tariffs

Most EU governments oppose prohibitive duties on solar panel imports from China.

A survey of European Union member states do not back the European Commission’s plans to levy large import duties, weakening the EC’s efforts to pressure China.

The EC is set to impose duties averaging 47% starting June 6. The sanctions are provisional, however, and EU trade chief Karel de Gucht is inclined to a negotiated solution with China.

Germany, Britain and the Netherlands are among a group of 14 EU member states that oppose the tariffs. France and Italy lead a small group of countries who said the EC is right to push for sanctions.