SEMI Statement on Recent Solar PV Trade Developments
SEMI Statement on Recent Solar PV Trade Developments
About SEMI and the PV Group
SEMI is the global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the micro- and nano-electronics industries, including semiconductors, photovoltaics (PV), LED, flat panel display and other industries. For more than 40 years, SEMI has served its members and the industries it represents through programs, initiatives, and actions designed to advance business and market growth worldwide.
The PV Group represents SEMI member companies involved in the solar energy manufacturing supply chain. Members provide the essential equipment, materials, services and products necessary to produce clean, renewable energy from photovoltaic technologies. The PV Group mission is to advance industry growth, support continuous efficiency improvements and promote sustainable business practices.
Trade Policy
Global trade policies serve a fundamentally important function in the photovoltaic industry since many companies throughout the supply chain are highly dependent on exports and work with a range of customers around the world. International market opportunities are critical to the success of this industry.
SEMI has long advocated for a strong, effective and enforceable rules-based international trading system that promotes free and open trade with all parties acting in line with their commitments. This allows companies to compete on the basis of quality, technology and service within a predictable system according to rules that governments have negotiated in bilateral, regional and multilateral settings.
SEMI also has advocated strongly for policies to promote the deployment of solar PV as an answer to energy challenges. Accordingly, SEMI is concerned over the recent filing of an antidumping and countervailing duty case against Chinese manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar PV cells. This case could lead to significant price increases that could have a significant deleterious impact on SEMI members, many of whom are upstream providers of high value- added equipment and materials. It will also impact downstream service providers, such as installers, where a majority of solar industry jobs are concentrated.
For these reasons, SEMI urges that the case currently under review proceed on a factual basis and that the process not become politicized. Moreover, to the extent possible, SEMI would support efforts by involved parties to reach a mutually acceptable accord that will serve the legitimate interests of all parties.
As a global association, SEMI provides a unique forum for companies from around the world to work together to lower costs, increase adoption and make solar competitive with other forms of energy. We invite all interested parties to join us to discuss and pursue policies that are in the best interests of the industry, our customers and consumers.
Contact:
Maggie Hershey
Senior Director, SEMI NA Public Policy
mhershey@semi.org
November 2011
