US/Asia: Solar import taxes set to rise with ITC findings

The US International Trade Commission announced Friday that solar energy product imported from China and Taiwan could harm the domestic economy, say reports, paving the way for higher import taxes on the Asian products.

The ITC findings coincide with an ongoing investigation by the Commerce Department over whether the products are being dumped in the US at below market prices; the probe is also looking into whether manufacturers gain inappropriate subsidies.

The regulators will both need to make an official decision on the matter before any duties are imposed on the imports.

The investigations began in response to complaints by US-based SolarWorld that Chinese rivals are improperly avoiding import taxes by moving certain aspects of production to Taiwan. Asian companies are accused of flooding the US markets.

Similar cases were conducted in the EU following allegations of product dumping by solar manufacturers in Asia.

Full Content: Reuters

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