Following a preliminary determination in March, the Dept. of Commerce has upheld a decision that duties should be imposed on Chinese solar photovoltaic cells and panels. Federal officials announced on Oct. 10 that the issue now goes to the International Trade Commission (ITC), which will uphold or reject Commerce's determination and impose specific duties on Nov. 7.
The case originates out of complaints by several American solar-technology manufacturers that China illegally dumped a large amount of solar cells and panels in the United States and other countries at below-market rates, aided by large subsidies from the Chinese government. The practice shuttered or required major layoffs at least 14 American solar technology manufacturers.