EU to impose punitive solar duties on China

The European Commission agreed on Wednesday to a proposal from EU Trade Chief Karel De Gucht to impose punitive import duties on solar panels from China, Reuters reported. The proposal, which says the duties would be levied by June 6, is the EU’s boldest response to what it sees as China’s dumping of cheap solar products into Europe. Brussels’ investigation into dumping accusations against China’s solar panel makers has been extensive, but Brussels is cautious of souring a key relationship. Yi Xiaozhun, China’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization, said the decision was a mistake, but declined to comment on any reactionary moves from Beijing.