Tim Brightbill Discusses Expected Antidumping Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels

Tim Brightbill, a partner in the International Trade Practice, was interviewed by Dow Jones Newswires for a story on the Department of Commerce's looming decision on whether to impose tariffs on Chinese solar panel makers. The investigation hinges on evidence the companies are engaging in dumping by selling their products in the United States at prices below the cost of production.

The article reported that "in a related decision in March, the department slapped tariffs of between 3% and 5% on imported Chinese solar panels and found that Chinese solar manufacturers enjoyed some unfair government financial assistance that helped them become an export powerhouse."

A coalition of American companies, led by Mr. Brightbill, have argued the U.S. solar market needs a strong domestic manufacturing industry to create jobs. "Anyone whose business model is built on dumped and subsidized Chinese imports has a problem, because dumping is a violation of U.S. trade law and [World Trade Organization] rules," Mr. Brightbill said.