WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal trade panel is considering a complaint by U.S. solar manufacturers who accuse Chinese companies of "dumping" solar products on global markets to depress prices.
Seven U.S. solar companies filed a case with the Commerce Department and International Trade Commission in October. The complaint asks the government to impose steep tariffs on Chinese solar imports.
The case has caused a split in the solar industry, with some U.S. companies arguing that Chinese imports have lowered prices for solar panels, benefiting consumers and promoting rapid growth of the solar industry.
The International Trade Commission is considering the complaint at a meeting on Friday.
U.S. energy officials say China spent more than $30 billion last year to subsidize its solar industry.
