China Seeks to Close Loophole on Solar Polysilicon Import Duties

China, the world’s biggest consumer of solar-grade polysilicon, will tighten up on imports of the material after solar manufacturers took advantage of a rule that allowed them to avoid duties.

From September, it will suspend applications from solar companies to import the polysilicon under so-called “processing trade” rules, whereby material used in domestic manufacturing is exempt from import duties if the finished product -- in this case solar cells used in panels -- is then exported.