The U.S.-China Solar War
Martin Green documents it:
'On October 18, the U.S. government was asked to impose tariffs on imports of Chinese solar cells and modules, based on the argument that China-based producers have been heavily subsidized and are selling solar products at unfairly low prices. Perhaps not surprisingly, some Chinese companies have now asked the Chinese government to impose tariffs on imports of American solar products, arguing that U.S.-based producers have been heavily subsidized, too. And just like that, the production of affordable and competitive solar products has become a political liability in the world's two largest producers and consumers of energy.'
Green notes a tragic irony - at a moment when, in some parts of the world, solar energy has finally become economically viable, the trade dispute threatens to cripple the industry.
(AP Photo)