China to investigate US and South Korea solar products

China’s Commerce Ministry on Friday launched anti-dumping investigations into polysilicon exports from the US and South Korea, as well as an anti-subsidy investigation into US manufacturers, The Wall Street Journal reported. The probe was launched in response to requests by China’s leading polysilicon manufacturers such as LDK Solar (LDK.NYSE) and China Silicon. It is expected to be completed by July 2013 but could be extended for another six months under special circumstances, state media reported. Major solar markets including the EU, the US and China have increasingly launched anti-dumping allegations against each other as they struggle with dwindling demand for solar products. Separate reports said Germany’s environment ministry is considering a similar approach against China over its financial support for domestic solar manufacturers.