SolarWorld AG welcomes the decision by the European Commission to launch an investigation into dumping practices by Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers. After the EU ProSun industry initiative filed a trade complaint at the end of July, the EU Commission had 45 days to review the facts presented and to decide whether to initiate an investigation. As one of the leading manufacturers of solar technology and solar power applications worldwide, SolarWorld supports the EU ProSun industry initiative which represents the majority of the European PV industry. The initiative supports fair competition and the sustainable expansion of solar energy in Europe.

The European Commission now has nine months to come to a decision on provisional anti-dumping duties, but has the option, however, to impose these at an earlier date. SolarWorld’s U.S. subsidiary had already launched its own similar initiative in the United States at the end of 2011. In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce set provisional anti-dumping duties in excess of 30 percent. A final decision on U.S. duties is expected this fall.