MOFCOM issues questionnaires for sunset review probe on anti-subsidy measures for U.S. solar-grade polysilicon imports

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Monday issued a notice on distributing questionnaires for sunset review probe on countervailing measures against imported U.S. solar-grade polysilicon.

The move comes after the ministry decided to initiate a sunset review investigation on the countervailing measures applicable to imported solar-grade polysilicon originating from the U.S. in January and is in accordance with China’s countervailing duty regulations, the MOFCOM said.

Stakeholders, including foreign exporters or producers, domestic producers, domestic importers, and the government of the exporting country, must complete and submit the required questionnaires within the specified deadlines, according to the notice.

Solar-grade polysilicon is the main raw material for the production of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

The MOFCOM has decided to initiate a sunset review investigation on the countervailing measures applicable to imported solar-grade polysilicon originating from the U.S., starting from January 14, 2025, MOFCOM announced in a notice on January 10.

On January 20, 2014, China imposed countervailing duties on imported solar-grade polysilicon originating from the U.S., with rates ranging from 0 to 2.1 percent. The implementation period is set for five years. In January 2020, China extended the countervailing duties for another five years, according to the ministry.

This sunset review, requested by the domestic solar-grade polysilicon industry, is to determine whether lifting the countervailing duties on U.S.-origin solar-grade polysilicon imports will lead to renewed subsidization and harm to the domestic sector, the ministry said.

Throughout the duration of the sunset review, the countervailing duties on imported U.S. solar-grade polysilicon will continue to be applied in accordance with the taxable product scope and rates established by MOFCOM in 2014 and 2020.

Under the current countervailing measures, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and AE Polysilicon Corporation are subject to a duty rate of 2.1 percent. REC Solar Grade Silicon LLC, REC Advanced Silicon Materials LLC, and MEMC Pasadena face a duty rate of 0 percent, whereas all other U.S.-based producers face a 2.1 percent duty, according to MOFCOM.