Reacting to published reports that the United States and the European Union are trying to settle a lingering trade dispute with China over anti-dumping and anti-subsidy allegations, a statement by John Smirnow, vice president of trade and competitiveness for the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has issued an urgent call for multilateral negotiations.
“Meeting last week in China, SEIA and the Asia PV Industry Association – along with several other organizations – agreed to a joint policy position, the Shanghai Solar Declaration, which strongly encourages the United States, China, the European Union and other nations to engage in multilateral trade negotiations aimed at ending this costly and disruptive dispute,” said Smirnow in the statement.
“After expressing our intentions to the White House, we are very encouraged that these long-needed negotiations appear ready to proceed. Simply put, it’s time for everyone to work together toward a fair resolution of these cases,” he said.
Concern is growing within SEIA and in other quarters over the effects of the dispute on the global economy.
“There is clear evidence that disputes within one segment of the industry affect the entire solar supply chain. What’s more, they cause a ripple effect throughout the economies of the United States, Asia and Europe,” said Smirnow, adding that he hoped talks would also establish a cooperative framework for the future.
“In addition to resolving current disagreements, we hope this process will also lead to the creation of a pro-competitive, collaborative framework for preventing future trade conflicts and ensuring the adoption of balanced and equitable agreements in the future,” he said.
“And, finally, in attempting to settle this dispute, we strongly encourage the Administration to carefully evaluate what impact any actions may have on American consumers and U.S. workers.”
To date, other signatories to the Shanghai Solar Declaration include: the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE); Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI); and the Solar Energy Association of Sweden.
Related Links
SEIA: International Trade updates
"SEIA Statement on U.S. Department of Commerce Final AD/CVD Determinations," October 10, 2012.