China rejects dumping ruling

China will not accept a preliminary ruling by the U.S. Department of Commerce accusing it of dumping solar cells and panels in the U.S.

If upheld, the ruling will see the U.S. levy tariffs averaging 31% on Chinese solar panel imports. The U.S. said this alleged dumping at below fair price hurts American producers.

The U.S. launched its investigation into Chinese dumping in November after complaints by a number of U.S. producers led by SolarWorld Industries America, Inc.

China said the U.S. ruling is unfair and expressed its extreme dissatisfaction. The conflict has worsened trade tensions with the Chinese who have also accused the Americans of subsidizing its own manufacturers.

Yingli Green Energy Holdings Ltd., Suntech Power Holdings Co. and Trina Solar Ltd., three of China’s major solar cell makers, rejected accusations they were dumping their products in the USA.

China countered the U.S. charges by launching its own probe last November into whether U.S. government support for producers of wind, solar and other renewable energy technology is an improper trade barrier.