China calls for negotiations over latest U.S. ITC anti-dumping investigation - SolarStar

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has officially respondedto the latest U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into anti-dumping  (AD) and anti-subsidy (CVD) claims of Chinese PV modules  in the country that also extends to solar cells supplied from Taiwan and used in Chinese PV modules imported into the US.

MOFCOM said that the two countries should start a “dialogue” and “negotiate” a settlement as both countries are supporting the adoption of clean energy technologies and solar photovoltaics in particular, with both countries becoming leaders in the field.

However, MOFCOM urged that the latest anti-dumping and subsidy investigations be handled carefully and “take measures to terminate the investigation procedures.”

MOFCOM noted in a statement that it would closely watch the ITC case and would be assessing any impact the case may have of the Chinese PV industry before considering “various mechanisms” in response.

The ministry also claimed that after the first ITC case and the imposition of duties in November, 2012 the US was to blame for throwing the “whole industry chain into chaos.”

The ITC is expected to make a preliminary determination on AD by February 14, 2014, while U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) would issue a countervailing duty (CVD) judgement sometime in March, 2014 and a preliminary AD ruling sometime in June 2014.

However, the preliminary determination by the ITC could include a decision to negotiate a settlement with China rather than automatic new duties.

The European Commission following its own anti-dumping investigation in 2013 came to a negotiated settlement with China.