Hem-Firm Rivet,Hem Firm Rivet,Hem Firm Rivets,Hem-Firm Rivets TIANCHANG FASTENER SYSTEM CO..LTD , https://www.toprivet.com
The reporter recently learned that, at the last moment of the voting on the 24th regarding the photovoltaic (PV) tax, many countries changed their stance. Over half of the EU member states, including Germany, voted against the proposed measure. This outcome came as a surprise to European Commission Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, who had previously shown confidence in the plan. The unexpected result left him visibly anxious, and from the 27th onward, he began urgently lobbying trade ministers across Europe to reconsider their positions before the preliminary results were officially announced.
In addition, the European Commission is exploring the possibility of forming an alliance with the United States to address the situation. Meanwhile, China continues its efforts. Although Zhong Shan, China’s representative for international trade negotiations, has concluded his consultations, several officials from the Ministry of Commerce are still in Brussels, ready to engage in further discussions with the European Commission.
On the 28th, sources close to EU trade departments revealed that 14 countries, including Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden, voted against the PV tax. Three more countries “probably†joined them, while France, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania supported the Commission. Poland and four other countries chose to abstain.
Notably, some countries, including Germany, were still undecided as late as the evening of the 24th, with some even considering abstention. Industry insiders noted that after several positive interactions between China and EU countries, the situation shifted unexpectedly. If China had been under pressure, the European Commission now finds itself in a difficult position, facing growing internal resistance.
Since the European Commission launched its "double investigation" into Chinese PV products, it has faced widespread criticism from both industry and political circles. After the breakdown of the first round of negotiations due to the Commission's lack of sincerity, some EU members expressed dissatisfaction with its approach.
A veteran familiar with EU rules told reporters that the recent voting results could shift the balance of power in what had seemed like a disadvantageous position for China. The Commission, which has pushed for the case, faces a significant blow and may see its negotiating authority weakened.
Despite this, the European Commission has not backed down. Gucht stated he would "take into account the views of member states," but emphasized the need to impose punitive tariffs. He also reiterated that the Commission must maintain an independent stance, resist external pressures, and act solely based on evidence to protect the interests of European businesses and workers.
According to sources, Gucht has initiated "emergency consultations" with at least three member states that voted against the proposal. Under EU rules, the vote on the 24th has no legal binding effect, and member states can change their positions anytime before June 6.
Historically, the European Commission rarely pays such close attention to member state voting before a preliminary decision. Usually, such actions occur only before the final ruling. However, if the Commission pressures those who opposed the move, it could undermine its own legitimacy. As one EU legal expert noted, once member states have finalized their positions, the Commission cannot simply reverse course.
Fan Zhenhua, a lawyer representing PV companies and legal director of Yingli Green Energy, said that even with more than half of the member states opposing, the Commission still has the right to impose temporary tariffs. However, by the end of December, the member states’ votes will be critical. That’s why the Commission is currently lobbying hard.
Yet, success is not guaranteed. A source revealed that on the morning of the 24th, Gucht tried to convince at least two member states, but failed each time.
At the same time, the Commission is seeking to form an alliance with the U.S. to handle the issue. According to a foreign media report citing the EU trade spokesperson, Gucht is open to cooperating with the U.S. to explore potential agreements.
"Some say the European Commission is testing its limits. Going too far could be extremely risky," a source said. Due to various considerations, Gucht may have to proceed with the original plan. If the key step—imposing the PV tax—fails, other complex measures, such as follow-up investigations into Chinese telecom equipment, may become harder to implement, disrupting its long-term trade strategy.
Sources believe that despite opposition from most member states, the European Commission will strive to push through the preliminary ruling, aiming to impose an average anti-dumping tariff of 47.6% on Chinese PV products. Once the tax takes effect, even if China and the EU reach a settlement, the damage to China’s PV market will be irreversible.
During the 27th consultation with the European side, Zhong Shan stressed that the two "double-reverse" cases involve major Chinese economic interests. If the EU imposes temporary anti-dumping duties on PV products and conducts an independent investigation into wireless communication equipment, China will not remain passive. It will take necessary measures to protect national interests.
Although the risk of escalating Sino-European trade tensions is increasing, the Chinese government will continue to seek a consensus to avoid a trade war. However, this requires the EU’s restraint and cooperation.