Bosch Supports Fair and Open Trade, Not Sanctions

According to Bloomberg, Robert Bosch GmbH Chairman Franz Fehrenbach has urged politicians to introduce an import tariff, SPVI has contacted Bosch Solar Head of Communications Ms. Heide Traemann for comments 

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Recently, Bloomberg reported that SolarWorld is creating a coalition in the EU against the Chinese companies in order to investigate -- and if necessary to sanction levies on -- the products and/or services offer by the Chinese companies.  According to Bloomberg, Robert Bosch GmbH Chairman Franz Fehrenbach has urged politicians to introduce an import tariff on PV products to prevent “clear dumping” from Chinese manufacturers, a company spokeswoman said yesterday.

SPVI estimates for Bosch Solar capacity are around 630MW of cells and around 690MW in modules; the company has been an essential multi-industry global conglomerate, including its operations in China with $30B Yuan earnings in 2011 and some 50-plus enterprises the company has in that country. Robert Bosch GmbH is also a majority owner of Aleo Solar.

We have contacted Bosch Solar Head of Communications Ms. Heide Traemann for comments:

SPVI: Is Bosch GmbH expected to join the petition, which is supposed to be filed by SolarWorld in the EU?

Ms. Traemann: That is a misunderstanding. We will not join the petition of SolarWorld.  As a matter of principle, we are in favor of an open system of world trade that is geared toward growth, and that allows the best products and solutions to succeed.

SPVI: Can you explain Bosch GmbH’s position on the issue?

Ms. Traemann: Violations of internationally valid and legally sanctioned rules of free competition must be investigated and, if necessary, rectified. We believe that a political route involving the relevant EU bodies would be able to convince the Chinese that free and fair world trade is in everyone's interest, not least their own. In this matter there has to be found a solution on a trade policy basis.

SPVI: In light of new FiT in Germany, what are the objectives for solar in Europe/Germany?

Ms. Traemann: What needs to be done in our view is to review measures to promote technology in Germany and Europe, especially now that a clear deadline has been set for the end of the feed-in tariff for power from photovoltaic arrays.

SPVI:  In other words, tariff is not the solution?

Ms. Traemann: For Bosch, creating new trade barriers is not the right way to solve the problem. Instead, what it comes down to is using well-defined measures to bolster innovative strength.

SPVI: Thank you Ms. Traemann