Merkel backs China in EU trade row

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she would do her utmost to avoid an EU-China trade war over subsidies for solar panels and wireless equipment as she welcomed the new Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, in Berlin on 26 May 2013.

The European Commission was considering to impose import duties on Chinese solar panel and wireless device companies for exporting products to the European market that are artificially kept cheap thanks to subsidies from the Chinese government.

However, EurActiv reported on the 28 May 2013 that aA majority of EU governments were opposing such a plan, undermining efforts by Brussels to pressure Beijing over its trade practices.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Merkel backs China in EU trade row http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-countries-to-impose-anti-dumping-duties-on-chinese-ceramics/

ESO: Background Information: Escalating EU-China trade row over solar panels http://www.europeansources.info/record/escalating-eu-china-trade-row-over-solar-panels/

BBC News, 28.05.13: Half of EU members 'oppose China solar tariffs' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22684663

ESO: Background Information: Solar power installations fall in Europe as PV market shifts http://www.europeansources.info/record/solar-power-installations-fall-in-europe-as-pv-market-shifts/

EurActiv, 27.05.13: Merkel, Li want to end solar trade row http://www.euractiv.com/trade/merkel-li-want-solar-trade-row-news-528047

EurActiv, 28.05.13: De Gucht faces growing opposition over duties for Chinese solar panels http://www.euractiv.com/trade/de-gucht-faces-growing-oppositio-news-528076

EurActiv, 29.05.13: EU trade chief vows no U-turn in solar panel row with China http://www.euractiv.com/trade/eu-trade-chief-vows-turn-solar-p-news-528104

Le Monde, 29.05.13: Beijing sows discord among Europeans (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3820931-beijing-sows-discord-among-europeans

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