The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has opened up a new anti-dumping investigation against Chinese and Taiwanese PV products on February 14th. Despite this however, many Taiwanese PV manufacturers are able to stand firmly at the moment.
Taiwanese PV manufacturers Gigastorage and Giga Solar received little effect from the investigation and saw stock prices soar. Tanergy, Sino-American Silicon Products Inc, Neo Solar Power Corporation, Green Energy Technology, and Gintech Energy Corporation also improved
The U.S. has imposed a tariff of 30% which industry insiders do not believe is high. This will only affect Taiwanese PV manufacturers in the short-term. Order adjustments are hoped to conclude by mid-May.
While end-market PV demands remain strong, trade barriers could be an uncertain factor. There are new emerging markets driving PV demand apart from China, the U.S. and Japan.
Global installation rate for PV is estimated to reach 40GW and higher this year. Utilization rate for first tier manufacturer production capacity will be 90 percent and up. PV product prices are also anticipated to continue rising this year, with polycrystalline silicon, wafers, and cell prices rising 6%, 1%, and 1% respectively.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) will announce the preliminary countervailing duties on China on March 28th. Preliminary anti-dumping duties against China and Taiwan will be announced on June 9th. The ITC will make their final judgment on the investigation in October.