The USITC last week said that increase in imports of solar modules has seriously dented the domestic solar cell and panel industry. With a favorable vote, the case could move to a remedy phase.
After the remedy phase, ITC will hold hearing on trade remedies in October. And, in November, it is expected to recommend tariffs to President Trump, who wants to impose tariffs on imported goods.
SolarWorld in the mean time, has decided to boost production and then start hiring people.
SolarWorld Americas CEO and president Juergen Stein said: “Our struggle has always been about keeping alive the pioneering US solar-technology industry as well as its workforce, from PhD scientists to line workers.
“With relief from surging imports in sight, we believe we can rev up our manufacturing engine and increase our economic impact.”
SolarWorld claims that around 30 US-based solar panel producers had stopped manufacturing operations between 2012 and 2016. And during the same period, global imports had increased nearly five times. China was the major contributor, whose imports increased by more than 700%.
In July, SolarWorld laid off about 360 workers, as part of a series of layoffs, which brought down the company’s workforce from 800 to 300. PV Magazine stated that at least one of SolarWorld’s suppliers also had to close down business.
PV Magazine also stated that SolarWorld and similar PV module manufacturers in the US make up a small portion of the entire range of manufacturers working in the solar industry. These include manufacturers and providers of racking, tracking and mounting systems and these manufacturers did not welcome ITC’s finding.
