U.S. Senators Seek Obama Administration's Intervention In Solar Panel Issue

WASHINGTON: Two influential American senators have sought Obama Administration’s intervention over the recent India’s decision to impose anti-dumping duty on U.S. solar panels.

Senators Sherrod Brown of the Democratic Party and Rob Portman of the Republican Party in a letter called on U.S. Trade Representative Mike Froman to drag India to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) if the Indian Government chooses not to cooperate and reverse its decision.

The two senators said that India’s decision to impose anti-dumping duty ranging from $0.11/watt to $0.48/watt against U.S. solar cell and panel products would put Ohio companies like Toledo-based First Solar at a competitive disadvantage.

This would increase the price of U.S. exports to levels uncompetitive in the growing but fragile Indian energy market, they said.