PORTLAND — A trade conflict with China has entered a new phase with the U.S. Department of Commerce calling for import taxes on Chinese solar panels.
American solar panel makers have railed against China’s solar industry for months.
Manufacturers like Solar World, which has a plant in Hillsboro, say Chinese trade practices are creating an unfair trade environment.
The Commerce Department has now responded by requiring tariffs of up to 4.7 percent on Chinese solar imports and made those retroactive to December.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici’s district includes Solar World.
“With SolarWorld being a business that employs many people in the district, we need to do everything we can to make sure that we have a level playing field and that we’re creating jobs in the United States.”
Solar World issued its own statement, calling the Commerce decision an “important step.”
The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy voiced opposition to tariffs, but called the low rates a “relatively positive outcome.”
(This was first reported for OPB News.)
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