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Tim Brightbill Talks to E&ETV About Solar Trade Case against Chinese Manufacturers

E&ETV
March 13, 2012

Tim Brightbill, a partner in the International Trade Practice, appeared on E&ETV to discuss the U.S. solar industry's filing of antidumping and countervailing duty cases against Chinese manufacturers of solar cells and panels.

Mr. Brightbill, who is representing SolarWorld and other U.S. manufacturers of solar cells and panels, provided an update on one of the largest trade cases ever filed against China.

"We had a very positive ruling in December from the International Trade Commission, which found unanimously, on a preliminary basis, that the U.S. industry has been injured as a result of the dumped and subsidized imports from China," he said. "Unfortunately that has been the only good news for this industry because there are companies that are continuing to go bankrupt or lay off workers or go out of business all together."

Mr. Brightbill also noted that the U.S. solar industry is facing a $1.5 billion trade deficit against China, after running a surplus in 2010. A preliminary ruling from the Commerce Department on the countervailing duty (or subsidy) portion of the case is expected next week.

To watch a video of the interview and read the transcript click here.