"The United States on Thursday announced the imposition of antidumping tariffs of more than 31 percent on solar panels from China. The move by the Commerce Department is certain to infuriate Chinese officials already upset after recent bilateral frictions over China’s human rights policies and its increasingly confrontational approach toward American allies like the Philippines and Japan."
"The antidumping decision is among the biggest in American history, covering one of the largest and fastest-growing categories of imports from China, the world’s largest exporter.
The department said the United States bought $3.1 billion worth of Chinese solar cells last year, giving China more than half the American market for the devices.
Many solar panel installers in the United States have opposed tariffs on Chinese panels, contending that inexpensive imports have helped spur many homeowners and businesses to put solar panels on their rooftops. The new tariffs are likely to mean a substantial increase in the price of solar panels here."
Keith Bradsher and Diane Cardwell reports for the New York Times May 17, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"US Gov't Sets Stiff Tariffs on China Solar Panels" (AP)
"U.S. Imposes Stiff Tariffs on Chinese for 'Dumping' Solar Panels" (Los Angeles Times)
"US Imposes Tariff on Chinese Solar Panels, a Victory for Us Manufacturers" (Christian Science Monitor)
"Hawaii To Feel Effects of Chinese Solar Panel Tariffs" (Pacific Business News)
"China Cries Foul After U.S. Sets Tariffs on Solar Imports" (Reuters)