China opens investigation on polysilicon import tariffs

China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had launched an investigation Monday to determine whether retroactive tariffs should be levied on polysilicon imports from the U.S, the European Union and South Korea.

The move comes after the ministry announced anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probes into polysilicon imports from these regions earlier this year and amid an escalating battle between China and its trading partners over solar and wind power. Polysilicon is the raw material used to make most solar panels.

The investigation was launched in response to requests filed by Chinese polysilicon makers, who complained about a large amount of imports from the three regions over a short period, the statement said.

The ministry said it will later announce whether it will impose antidumping and anti-subsidy duties retroactively, without giving a timeframe.