EU slaps anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels

The European Union (EU) Tuesday decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese solar panels, cells and wafers, Xinhua reported.

EU imports of Chinese solar products would be subject to a punitive duty of 11.8 per cent from June 6 to Aug 6, from when on, the duty will be raised to 47.6 per cent, EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said at a press conference.

"The decision follows a thorough and serious investigation and extended contacts with market players. As the market for the imports of solar panels in the EU is very large, it is important for this duty not to disrupt it," he said.

The EU reiterated to "ensure the stability of supply of solar panels in the short term", the decision was made in two steps to cater to "exceptional circumstances".

A week ago, 18 of the 27 EU member states had voted against a provisional tariff.