US alleges dumping by Chinese and Vietnamese wind tower makers

The US Commerce Department announced that it would open an investigation into wind energy tower dumping that could lead to tariffs on more than US$100 million worth of wind energy towers from China and Vietnam, Reuters reported. The department said that China may be selling its towers at 213.54% below US prices, and Vietnam by 140.54-143.29%. This figure is far higher than allegations made by the Wind Tower Trade Coalition, an industry association, which had asked for 64% duties to be put on tower imports from China and 59% on those from Vietnam. The US imported some US$103.6 million worth of wind towers from China in 2010, and US$51.9 million Vietnam. Opponents say that the claims are baseless and that Asian manufacturers are more reliable producers than their US counterparts.