The decision by the Anti-Dumping Commission to terminate its investigation into the alleged dumping of solar PV panels from China is to be reviewed, following an application from Tindo Manufacturing to the Anti-Dumping Review Panel (ADRP).
Tindo, Australia’s only solar PV panel manufacturer, argues that the Anti-Dumping Commission’s decision was based on a flawed analysis of both Tindo’s product offering and the Australian solar market.
The nearly 18-month investigation was terminated in October, when the commissioner determined that the “injury to the Australian PV industry caused by PV modules or panels exported to Australia at dumped prices is negligible”.
Among other factors, the commission said that Tindo’s business challenges were the result of poor timing in entering the Australian market at a time of decline; the market’s apparent preference for cheaper DC solar panels; and Tindo’s poor marketing efforts.
Tindo takes issue with each of these assertions in its application, saying that “there seems to be much misunderstanding and confusion by the Commission about the technology and this has resulted in incorrect assumptions and conclusions”.
The news of the review is unlikely to be welcomed by the wider industry. At the time the investigation was terminated, Clean Energy Council Policy Manager Darren Gladman said the prospect of dumping duties had created a “significant source of uncertainty in the industry”.
“Trade liberalisation is an important issue that has major benefits for local consumers,” said Mr Gladman. “Dumping duties would make solar power more expensive for Australians, negatively affect sales and inhibit the growth of the Australian industry.”
The ADRP must either affirm or revoke the termination decision by 4 January 2016.
