Failure to lower tariff rates hurts the American solar industry, its customers and the environment

Washington, DC -- The U.S. Department of Commerce yesterday announced the results of its administrative review of the 2012 anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD) duties on imports of solar products from the Peoples Republic of China. The final tariff rates set yesterday are comparable to the original rates and are higher than the rates proposed preliminarily in January 2015.

In response to this news, Jigar Shah, President of the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) released the following statement:

"This determination is another disappointing move toward short-sighted protectionism for the American solar industry.

"The Department of Commerce chose against lowering the tax on solar imports. Keeping these stiff tariffs in place makes solar power less affordable, slows job growth and prevents more American homes, businesses and utilities from switching to clean solar energy.

"Despite booming solar employment, economically counterproductive tariffs have artificially made solar panels prices in the United States the most expensive in the world. This decision does nothing to correct this imbalance.

"Too much of the solar industry remains embroiled in SolarWorlds unnecessary, wasteful trade conflict. Uncertainty is sure to continue with more trade litigation, and all solar companies are paying the price. We urge SolarWorld to negotiate a reasonable solution with international manufacturers which can be implemented by the governments of the United States and China. "