Over 400 companies involved in Europe's solar power sector are urging policymakers not to initiate a trade investigation that could result in European Union (EU) tariffs on imported solar products. The appeal precedes a crucial meeting on Friday, where solar industry leaders, national ministers, and EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton will assess measures to bolster solar production within Europe.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of industry association SolarPower Europe, expressed concern, stating, “Ahead of the industry roundtable on Friday, we're getting worrying signals that a trade defense investigation is about to be announced. This flies in the face of the path we have set out for European solar re-industrialization.”
Coordinated by SolarPower Europe, the call includes 18 manufacturers, 28 national associations, and research institutes. All signatories unanimously argue against imposing tariffs on imported photovoltaic (PV) products. The European Union has set an ambitious target of achieving 600 gigawatts of solar installations by 2030, requiring a substantial acceleration in deployment. The group asserts that tariffs would impede progress toward this goal.
The 425 companies, along with 28 national associations and research institutes, express support for efforts to reshore some solar manufacturing, aligning with the EU's objective of attaining 30 gigawatts of production capacity by 2025.
Notably, the European Union previously imposed restrictions on imports of Chinese solar panels, cells, and wafers from 2013 to 2018. Currently, over 90% of PV wafers and components originate from China. Brussels has recently initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles and plans to scrutinize foreign subsidies in the wind sector. These measures aim to promote clean tech manufacturing in Europe and reduce dependence on China.
