PV Group Holds Industry Symposium on China Trade Frictions
PV Group Holds Industry Symposium on China Trade Frictions
The PV Group organized a one-day symposium, entitled, Global Trade Dispute: Lessons for China’s PV Industry, on November 20 in Beijing, China to address emerging trade frictions between China and international markets. The symposium was supported by the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and supported by the China Renewable Energy Society, China Semiconductor Industry Association, and the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association (CREIA)
Earlier this fall, German solar companies Conergy AG and Solarworld AG voiced objections to the alleged pricing practices of Chinese panel makers. Germany's solar industry association is reportedly looking into allegations of “dumping below-cost” panels by Chinese solar energy companies. It has also been reported that SunPower from the US is lobbying to open anti-dumping investigations against Chinese firms, claiming subsidies and direct investment from the Chinese government. |
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The purpose of the Forum was to help reduce misunderstandings and promote fair trade practices. The event brought leading solar energy companies, international law firms, Chinese government officials, World Trade Organization representatives, and other representatives from government and industry. The agenda provided information on global trade rules and WTO processes, and provided attendees with the latest market trends on the global and China solar energy markets. | |||
Conference Speakers
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Mr. Hongbing Peng, from China MIIT, provided an overview of the China PV market that now spans over 300 companies from 28 provinces. China solar cell capacity reached 4000MW in 2008 and is now the world’s largest producer. Mr. Wang Sicheng from the Energy Research Institute of NDRC, provided a response to the trade dispute stating that current cost of China PV modules at $1.3-1.5/Wp compares favorably to selling prices in EU of 1.5 Euro/Wp (30% gross margin). He stated that there is no low-price dumping from the Chinese side in cells, panels or polysilicon.
Ambassador Wolff presented overview and case studies on WTO rules and US trade remedies affecting China. He summarized the key case issues and investigation process including U.S. sales analysis and Chinese Constructed Value analysis, providing case references and recommended measures for China’s PV industry in dealing with global trade disputes. Mr. Umejima presented WTO and GATT trade system information, including countervailing duties and special accession protocols. Mr. Umejima also shared the global trade dispute perspective from the views of Asia exporter countries.
Earlier this year, the PV Group published a White Paper “China’s Solar Future,” a preliminary report containing specific recommendations for a China photovoltaic (PV) government policy roadmap. As the world’s fastest growing developing country, China faces a rapid increasing demand for energy and the country has also been building a massive PV industry representing all facets of the supply chain, from polysilicon feedstock, ingots and wafers to cells and modules. Virtually all of this PV production has been exported. The report recommends an accelerated adoption of PV generated electric power in China to reach global average level of PV power generation by 2014.
"It was valuable to have a day to focus on PV anti-dumping issues. We hope we can push anti-dumping towards success without a collision and turn hostility into friendship,” according to Mr. Cheng Yongru, Division Director, Bureau of Fair Trade for Imports & Exports, China’s Ministry of Commerce.
December 2009 – The Grid, SEMI PV Group
