Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has expressed support for domestic solar panel producers, following recently announced provisional anti-dumping duties by the EU targeting Chinese firms, the China News Service reported Saturday.
The negotiations between China and the European Commission (EC), the EU's executive arm, have had some effect but the negotiations between the two parties are not over, Li said during a visit Friday to a solar company in Xingtai, North China's Hebei Province.
"We resolutely oppose trade protectionism and we hope companies can work with the government," Li said.
On Tuesday, the EC announced it would impose 11.8 percent anti-dumping duties on solar panel imports from China through August 6, and a 47.6 percent rate afterward, despite opposition within the EU.
It is important to start by solving overcapacity within the domestic market, while stabilizing the overseas market, Li said, adding that China has policies to boost photovoltaic power generation, including subsidies and preferential taxes.
He noted that solar panel companies need to improve their technologies and equipment and win new advantages with innovation.
The lower tariff rate for two months leaves room for further talks, said Lin Boqiang, an energy professor with Xiamen University.
However, the central government needs to issue encouraging policies for the sector quickly; otherwise many solar panel firms will go bankrupt, as the sector depends heavily on exports, Lin said.
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