Wyden Lauds Solar Manufacturing Decision By Commerce Department

Ruling Is Victory for Oregon Manufacturer Against Foreign Trade Cheats

WASHINGTON –In a victory for strong enforcement of trade rules, in a ruling today the Commerce Department sided with Hillsboro-based SolarWorld in its fight against unfair trade. The Commerce Department ruled that Chinese and Taiwanese producers used illegal foreign government subsidies and dumped below-cost solar panels and modules on the U.S. market. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement following the ruling.

“The facts show that these foreign producers are breaking the rules, plain and simple,” Wyden said. “I am pleased that the Commerce Department made the right call. Oregon solar manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world, as long as the other countries are forced to play by the rules. This decision provides the relief U.S. manufacturers badly need to thrive and continue restoring lost jobs.”

Commerce has recommended hefty new duties on these unfairly traded products, which will become final early next year provided the International Trade Commission affirmsits preliminary findings that the industry was harmed by unfair trade. Further information from Commerce on the ruling can be found here.

Wyden has consistently stood up for U.S. manufacturers against trade cheats like China. He backed this trade case when it was filed in 2013 and testified in support of SolarWorld at the International Trade Commission on December 8, 2014. Earlier this month, Wyden successfully strengthened federal procurement laws, to require the Defense Department to only buy solar panels that are made in America.

###

Next Article Previous Article