MIDLAND, Mich.--()--EDITOR’S NOTE: The following statement can be attributed to Robert D. Hansen, president and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation & Andrew E. Tometich, president, Hemlock Semiconductor Group.
Dow Corning Corporation and the Hemlock Semiconductor Group understand that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) preliminary finding in the Solar World trade case regarding imports of Chinese-made solar panels is intended to protect the U.S. market. We believe, however, that the consequences of this decision will have exactly the opposite effect, proving to be devastating to the growth and adoption of solar technology in the U.S., job growth, as well as to our competitive leadership of this industry worldwide.
This decision will make it more expensive and difficult for the U.S. to have access to the most proven and cost-effective solar technologies –weakening the U.S. solar industry at a critical point in its development. Indeed, while Bonn, Germany-based Solar World and its co-litigants may initially benefit from this decision, the industry overall in the U.S. will suffer – some economists believe that thousands of U.S. jobs could be lost, about half tied directly to the industry, if duties are imposed.
As global companies, Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor understand the importance of fair trade practices. This is a complex issue; at the same time, our nascent economic recovery, as well as this industry’s potential for delivering long-term economic value and energy independence, require a long-term solution that enables all countries and the businesses operating in these countries the opportunity to benefit from the growth of this technology.
In our view, both the U.S. and China will benefit by removing barriers to trade and promoting collaboration and open trade policies rather than introducing measures or litigation that impose trade barriers. Resolving trade concerns through an adversarial confrontation serves only to impede technological advancement and job creation, as well as the path towards energy independence and clean energy.
About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States. Dow Corning’s global operations adhere to the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative, a stringent set of standards designed to advance the safe and secure management of chemical products and processes.
About Hemlock Semiconductor Group
Hemlock Semiconductor Group (hscpoly.com) consists of several joint venture companies owned by Dow Corning Corporation, Shin-Etsu Handotai and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Hemlock Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Hemlock Semiconductor began its operations in 1961.
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