China solar makers: EU complaint could trigger trade war

Chinese solar firms called on Beijing to take retaliatory measures after a German solar panel manufacturer confirmed Thursday that it had filed an anti-dumping complaint against Chinese competitors that export to the EU, Reuters reported. Germany’s SolarWorld (SWV.ETR, SWV.FRA) said that it had lodged the complaint on behalf of the EU ProSun group, which comprises 25 members from across Europe. The European Commission now has 45 days to decide whether to launch an investigation. “We call on the Chinese government to take all necessary and resolute measures to protect the legitimate interests of the Chinese solar industry,” said Wang Yiyu, chief strategy officer of Yingli Solar. This marks the latest spat between solar makers in the China and the West: In May, the US imposed tariffs on Chinese solar imports after similar accusations were leveled by a US-based SolarWorld subsidiary.