EU and China ‘could reach trade war agreement by June’

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The European Commission’s (EC) investigation into alleged dumping and illegal subsidisation of Chinese solar products could be set for a peaceful resolution according to the UK Solar Trade Association’s PV specialist, Ray Noble.

Speaking today at the Large Scale Solar Conference in Cornwall, organised by Solar Media, PV-Tech's publisher, Noble said that the latest industry rumours suggest that the EU will come to an agreement with China by June – allaying solar developers’ fears of retroactive duty action. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Addressing the conference delegates, Noble said: “The latest rumour is that it will be solved by June; there will be a deal done between China and Europe and we can all then move on again.” He added: “Nobody wants trade wars and solar is such a small thing in relation to the amount of business that is already done between China and Europe.” 

Recently, Chong Quan, the deputy representative of China's Ministry of Commerce, called on the EU to “seriously consider China’s suggestions to settle the dispute through dialogue” in order to “find a solution acceptable to both sides”.

The EC is set to announce what provisional measures will be taken in early June before the proposals are voted on by the European Council. However, a potential agreement between the two parties would mean an end to the investigations. 

The uncertainty caused by the EC investigations has already had a significant impact on the UK solar industry – forcing a number of projects to be abandoned due to the threat of retroactive duties.

Module prices in the EU have risen since March when imported Chinese modules were registered for possible retroactive duties and shortages of supply were expected thereafter. 

The Chinese have also delayed a decision on possible import duties on polysilicon from the EU, US and Korea till after the EU Commission investigation into anti-dumping has been concluded. The recent move was seen as a consolatory step by China as talks about a deal continued. 

Read Next

July 1, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra has secured financing and reached financial close for its 220MW solar-plus-storage plant in Chile.
July 1, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Arevon Energy has closed a US$600 million credit facility to support its solar PV and energy storage portfolio in the US.
July 1, 2025
The UK government has released this week (30 June) its Solar Roadmap, which sets out practical measures to meet the country’s solar PV targets.
July 1, 2025
Solar developer ib vogt has sold a 110MW solar PV plant in Spain to international fund NextPower V ESG, which is operated by investment firm NextEnergy Capital (NEC).
July 1, 2025
French private equity firm Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund (ACEEF) has bought 117 solar PV plants, worth 116MW of total capacity in several locations in Italy.
July 1, 2025
Swedish independent power producer (IPP) OX2 has begun operations at a 100MW solar PV plant in Poland, its first project as an IPP.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece