SolarWorld Americas Joins Suniva as Co-Petitioner for Global Safeguard
Large Majority of U.S. Solar Manufacturing Seeks Support to Save
Manufacturing Jobs
NORCROSS, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#americanmanufacturing–Suniva, Inc. confirms today that it has notified the U.S. International
Trade Commission (“ITC”) that it has amended its petition for a global
safeguard under Section 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974, to add
SolarWorld Americas, Inc. as a co-petitioner.
SolarWorld and Suniva account for the vast majority of U.S. solar
manufacturing production. This action unites the industry in its battle
to protect and grow American manufacturing jobs, and provide greater
stability in the ongoing efforts to insure the country’s energy security.
“Suniva welcomes SolarWorld to this important battle,” said Matt Card,
Suniva’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations.
“SolarWorld’s ongoing efforts to protect U.S. solar manufacturing are
long and well-established, and we are pleased they are joining this
latest effort with us, as our industry now speaks with one, unified
voice,” said Mr. Card.
This action comes as the ITC has initiated its investigation into the
petition for a global safeguard concerning crystalline silicon
photovoltaic cells and modules. “Without a global safeguard, the U.S.
solar manufacturing industry will die and we will not only lose solar
manufacturing jobs today, but also those future jobs that will
come from investing in the solar manufacturing industry of tomorrow,”
said Mr. Card.
U.S. solar manufacturers face serious injury from the ongoing and
increasing influx of foreign imports, which continue to drive down
domestic prices. Since 2013, when the U.S. Government instituted
anti-dumping and countervailing duties against manufacturers in certain
countries, manufacturing has expanded to other countries, particularly
in Asia, and increasing imports fueled by a growing global manufacturing
overcapacity have caused U.S. market prices to fall to levels that
challenge responsible economic operations for U.S. manufacturers. The
resulting faltering economics have led to dramatic job losses throughout
the manufacturing industry, impacting workers in multiple companies over
the last 12 months.
Contacts
Mayer-Brown LLP
Christian Hudson
[email protected]