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SolarWorld: U.S. Agency Report Highlights Imports' Serious Injury to Domestic Manufacturing IndustryNearly 30 U.S. crystalline-silicon solar technology manufacturing sites have closed down since 2012, a period in which imports of such products surged by nearly five-fold, according to a staff report by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC issued the report ahead of its hearing on Aug. 15 that will examine whether solar imports have caused serious injury to the domestic manufacturing industry. SolarWorld Americas Inc., the largest U.S. producer, and Suniva Inc. are co-petitioners in a so-called "safeguards case," which seeks relief from the import surge. The pre-hearing report was based on responses to ITC questionnaires from purchasers, importers and producers. According to SolarWorld, the report findings paint a picture of domestic producers suffering serious financial distress even as U.S. demand robustly grew, as a result of the massive influx in solar imports from various global producers. Highlights from the report:
The ITC is scheduled to vote Sept. 22 on whether imports have caused serious injury, or threat of serious injury, to the domestic industry. If at least two of the current four Commissioners vote in the affirmative, the case moves on to a remedy phase, in which the ITC has until Nov. 13 to make a recommendation to the President. About SolarWorld REAL VALUE: SolarWorld Americas Inc., the largest U.S. crystalline-silicon solar manufacturer for more than 42 years, produces and sells high-tech solar power solutions and, in doing so, contributes to a cleaner energy supply throughout the Americas. The company maintains 430 megawatts of annual capacity to produce solar cells and 550 MW of capacity to manufacture solar modules. The company's brand stands for a proven track record of quality and reliability, and SolarWorld is the only producer whose industrial lineage has outlived its products' 25- and 30-year performance guarantees. SolarWorld upholds high social standards and commits itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. With its program Solar2World, the company supports the expansion of solar power in developing countries in Latin America. Connect with SolarWorld on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and www.solarworld.com.
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