Tim Brightbill Comments on China's Plans for More Solar Subsidies

Tim Brightbill, a partner in the International Trade Practice, was interviewed by The Oregonian following the release of a report by Wiley Rein that showed the Chinese government plans to continue subsidizing its solar industry.

The Oregonian reported that the "Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing, which pushes for U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar cells and panels, released translations of five-year plans that call for rapid development of China's industry. Managers of SolarWorld, which employs 1,000 in Hillsboro, say Beijing is waging a trade war, undercutting and bankrupting U.S. solar manufacturers."  The plan specifically calls for the development of thin-film panels and other advanced solar technology.

"This demonstrates how the Chinese government exercises substantial control and direction over its solar industry, and as a result is harming other solar industries around the world, including the U.S. industry," said Mr. Brightbill, who is representing the U.S. solar industry.

The article reported that last week the U.S. Labor Department determined workers laid off from a California SolarWorld plant "qualified for assistance because imports helped cause the shutdown." The U.S. Commerce Department decided in March to recommend tariffs ranging from 2.9 to 4.73 percent. Higher tariffs could be added after May 17.