BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission has proposed to extend import duties on solar panels from China by 18 months, shorter than initially planned, and with a gradual phase-out, Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said on Wednesday.
Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties have been in place on Chinese solar panels and cells since 2013, with a current review into whether they should be maintained. A majority of EU countries last month opposed a planned two-year extension.
"The phase-out is also meant to make sure that producers of solar panels in the European Union have the time to adapt to the new situation. The precise conditions are something that will be up for debate, also with member states now," Timmermans told a news conference.