Memo: EU initiates anti-dumping investigation on solar glass from China

On 28 February 2013, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solar glass from China. The initiation is based on a complaint lodged by the association EU ProSun Glass, which claims solar glass from China is being dumped in the EU at prices below market value and causing material injury to the EU solar glass industry.

The investigation could take up to 15 months, although under trade defence rules the EU could impose provisional anti-dumping duties within nine months if it considers these necessary.

Solar glass is a special glass used mainly, but not exclusively, for the production of solar panels. It is an essential component not just of solar panels, but of many solar energy products.

This investigation has, however, no direct link with the probe related to the imports of solar panels launched by the European Commission in September 2012: it is a stand-alone investigation concerning a clearly distinct product. The EU solar glass market is valued at less than EUR 200m.