WASHINGTON – Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement today in response to new U.S. trade petitions filed by SolarWorld USA against crystalline silicon solar products from China and Taiwan:

“We oppose today’s escalation of the U.S.-China solar trade conflict.  More litigation is the wrong approach.  Trade litigation is a blunt instrument and, alone, incapable of resolving the complex competetiveness issues that exist between the U.S. and Chinese solar industries.  It’s time to end this conflict and negotiations must play a role.

"For well over a year now, SEIA has encouraged the U.S. and Chinese governments and key industry stakeholders to find common ground, even putting forth a settlement proposal.  SEIA’s proposal provides a mutually-satisfactory resolution which recognizes the interests of all solar stakeholders and not just one segment of the industry.  To the best of our knowledge, however, the U.S. and Chinese governments have neither adopted SEIA’s proposal as the basis for negotiations nor put forth any meaningful offer to resolve the broader conflict.  It’s time for both governments to get in the game and end this conflict - we urge the United States and China to immediately commit to serious, results-driven negotiations.”

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About SEIA: 

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:

Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, [email protected]  (202) 556-2885
Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886