The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is sharpening the focus of its probe into China’s policies supporting renewable energy. USTR Ron Kirk is targeting China’s Special Fund for Wind Power Manufacturing. He has asked for talks with China about that fund under World Trade Organization dispute-resolution provisions.
In announcing the move on Dec. 22, the USTR office said China seems to be providing subsidies that are barred by WTO regulations. The agency says grants awarded by the wind-power fund appear to be conditioned on Chinese manufacturers in that sector using Chinese-made parts.