European Commission confirms 18-month extension of antidumping and anti-subsidy tariffs, with a staged phase-out

After conducting an investigation and then the ensuing debate among member nations, the European Commission has decided on an 18-month extension to antidumping (AD) and anti-subsidy duties applied to Chinese solar exports to the EU. Final confirmation of the move will come with publication in the EU's Offical Journal.

In a statement issued to pv magazine today, a Commission spokesperson confirmed that both measures would be extended for a further 18 months. However, the measures are likely to be phased out over time, “in line with cost reductions in the solar industry,” the EC spokesperson added.

The EC will open an interim review of the measures, to formulate a schedule for tariff reduction.

“This approach balances our legitimate right to protect our industry from unfair competition from dumped or subsidized imports, with the need to consider other companies that rely on these imports to develop their final products and employ thousands of people,” the spokesperson added.

The “essential role” that PV is playing in achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals was “an important factor” in the decision.

The EC describes the discussion of the tariffs as having been “constructive.” An EU Appeals Court had upheld the AD and anti-subsidy tariffs in hearings on February 17.