On October 19, 2011, a trade action was filed in Washington, D.C. alleging the unfair importation of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules from China.
Trina Solar Response to the Trade Action Filed in the United States
Trina Solar believes the allegations made by the U.S. petitioners will eventually prove to be unfounded and that Trina Solar's transactions with its United States customers were made in accordance with international trade practices. The company has, and will continue to, adhere to prudent and recognized United States industry practices and standards. Trina Solar is confident that these facts will be affirmed within the proceedings.
As before, Trina Solar remains dedicated to bringing the sustainable benefits of clean and innovative solar energy products and services to residential, commercial and utility-scale customers throughout the United States and worldwide.
JinkoSolar Responds to the Solar Trade Petition
"We are currently in the process of reviewing the petition that was filed," commented Mr. Kangping Chen, Chief Executive Officer of JinkoSolar. "The petition was filed by multiple solar power manufacturers in the U.S. and does not reflect the position of the U.S. government. We will respond in accordance with ITC & DOC guidelines. As a global company listed on the NYSE, we are confident in our position and are well-prepared to substantiate our strict adherence to fair international trade practices. Until the issue is resolved, we will continue to work with our customers and partners to ensure that our business is conducted as usual."
Yingli Green Energy's Statement
"We and our counsel are reviewing the petitions, which have just been filed. We would like to remind everyone that such petitions obviously present only the views of one side, and only a partial view of a very complicated story. As a NYSE-listed public company with global presence, we have been holding ourselves to the highest standard of fair international trade practices. We are confident in our position and we intend to mount a vigorous defense. We are committed to the U.S. market for the long run, since we have faith in our products and technology and believe that we are well positioned to continue to compete effectively in the U.S. market."
Suntech Response to the Solar Trade Petition
"We're currently reviewing the petition filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Anyone can file one of these actions; having filed an action is in no way a validation from the U.S. government as to the merits of the action. Companies listed in the petition are not subject to a single blanket judgment, and each individual company, including Suntech, will respond in accordance with ITC & DOC guidelines. As a global company listed on the NYSE, we are confident in our position and well prepared to substantiate our strict adherence to fair international trade practices. Until the issue is resolved, we will continue to work with our customers and partners to ensure business as usual."
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Errata: I had erroneously reported that SolarWorld has received subsiidies from the U.S. government. In fact, the U.S. government granted authorization to SolarWorld to apply for up to $82.2 million in ARRA-era renewable-energy manufacturing tax credits to offset more than a half-billion dollars in investment in its Oregon expansion. The company, however, has never applied for any credits under that authorization and therefore has not received any dollar benefit.