Warning on EC Solar Move

China has warned the European Commission against taking any risky decisions in its handling of the ongoing multi-billion-euro anti-dumping and subsidies case involving China's solar panel exports to Europe.

European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is expected to propose to the commission on Wednesday that it impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese photovoltaic imports, while downstream business representatives in Europe are reported to be strongly against such proposals.

The levies are likely to be set at 40 percent or higher and could come into force as soon as June 6, reports have suggested. The duties would be imposed for up to five years.

The Alliance for Affordable Solar Energy has warned of severe job losses as a result, and industry insiders have suggested any penalty tariff higher than 30 percent will cause considerable damage to the European and Chinese solar industries.