China Shows ‘Deep Concern’ Over ITC Ruling on Injury to Solar World

China’s Ministry of Commerce late Saturday expressed “deep concern” over a preliminary ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission that Chinese solar-panel manufacturers are harming the U.S. industry.

“China is deeply concerned about the decision, which does not tally with facts and highlights the United States’s strong tendency for trade protectionism,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that the ruling was made without sufficient evidence showing the U.S. solar panel industry has been injured with disregard for vigorous opposition from Chinese firms, U.S. industries and others.

The ITC voted unanimously Friday that Chinese imports of solar panels and modules have harmed SolarWorld Industries America Inc. and other U.S. producers.

The ITC probe runs parallel to a U.S. Commerce Department investigation into alleged dumping by Chinese manufacturers of solar panels. In a tit-for-tat response, China’s Ministry of Commerce last week announced an investigation into U.S. subsidies and policies it claims favors the U.S. renewable energy industry.