Domestic solar PV makers seek anti-dumping measures

Want 70-80 cents duty for every kwh capacity on Chinese companies and 20-30 cents on American, Malaysian and Taiwanese firms

With Europe expected to decide on anti-dumping duty on solar equipment on June 6, Indian solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers are seeking imposition of 70-80 cents duty for every kwh capacity on eight Chinese companies and 20-30 cents on American, Malaysian and Taiwanese companies.

This will be in line with the 35 per cent anti-dumping duty on tier-1 Chinese companies and 200 per cent on the remaining companies, which is in place in the US.

In Europe, imposition of an interim duty of 70-80 per cent is expected when the pronouncement is made on June 6. Subsequently, 60-70 per cent anti-dumping and 10-15 per cent anti-subsidy duties are expected by the year-end, industry representatives said on Tuesday.

The domestic industry had in November 2012 initiated the anti-dumping case with the Directorate of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties under the finance ministry. “Cheap imports have put Rs 10,000-crore investment in plant and machinery in problem,” said Ajay K Goel, chief executive officer, Tata Power Solar.

He said Chinese manufacturers and affiliates in Taiwan were selling cells and modules at a cost that makes domestic producers unable to compete. Goel was speaking as part of an industry briefing under the aegis of Indian Solar Manufacturers Association.

Though there is a lobby of solar power producers that is opposing the move, the association is seeking a two-way solution of a more comprehensive domestic content requirement under the solar missions of both the Centre and the states, and a short-term protection through anti-dumping or countervailing duties.

In his presentation, S Venkataramani, Indosolar’s CEO and general secretary of the association, said continuation of cheap imports could see perpetual dependence on import of solar products as it dis-incentivises investment in manufacturing. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission launched in 2010 had set a target of 20,000 Mw grid-connected solar power by 2022.