December 2, 2011
News Release 11-152
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-481 and 731-TA-1190 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about January 12, 2012, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about March 22, 2012.

The Commission's public report Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-481 and 731-TA-1190 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4295, December 2011) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after January 3, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

Product Description: The subject cells and modules are crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (CSPV), including laminates and panels, consisting of crystalline photovoltaic cells, whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products. CSPV cells are comprised of polysilicon wafers that are chemically processed to create a positive-negative charge, and imprinted with electrical metal conductors into the wafer. Once tested and sorted, finished cells are assembled into modules. Modules consist of a rectangular matrix of cells which are connected via bus bars, sealed, and affixed to a back sheet, then laminated. The laminated cells are then framed and a junction box is attached. CSPV cells and modules convert sunlight into electricity for on-site use or for distribution through the electric grid. CSPV cells and modules are generally used in integrated solar power generating systems for large utilities and commercial and residential roof- top applications.

Status of Proceedings:
1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.   Petitioners: SolarWorld Industries America, Inc.
3.   Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: October 19, 2011.
4.   Commission's conference: November 8, 2011.
5.   USITC vote: December 2, 2011.
6.   USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: December 5, 2011.
7.   USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: December 12, 2011.

U.S. Industry:
1.   Number of producers in 2010: 16
2.   Location of producers' plants: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota,
          New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington,
          and Wisconsin.
3.   Employment of production and related workers in 2010: (1)
4.   Apparent U.S. consumption in 2010: (1) 
5.   Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2010: (1) 

U.S. Imports:
1.   From the subject countries during 2010:  $1.2 billion.
2.   From other countries during 2010:  $1.5 billion.
3.   Leading sources during 2010:  China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany, Japan, and Mexico (in terms
          of total value).                   

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.