Since the beginning of the second quarter, prices of solar wafers and cells in Taiwan have been increasing due to expectations that Europe may levy anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on China-based peers. Currently, prices of solar cells have returned to US$0.41/W. Industry sources disclosed that the price increases may continue in June, pushing solar cell prices to US$0.43/W.
According to Energy Trend, prices of solar cells in Taiwan may increase to US$0.44-0.47/W as demand for Taiwan-based solar cells increases due to trade wars.
Solar cell capacity utilization rates among Taiwan-based firms has been high in May. Taiwan-based solar cell makers noted that order visibility is clear through the second half of 2013.
The anti-dumping tariff in Europe is forecast to be announced in the first half of June. Market observers believe the tariff rate will be higher compared to US punitive tariff rates.
Taiwan-based firms stated that if Europe levies heavy punitive duties, China-based firms will find ways to avoid being taxed, as the firms have been operating at net losses. Since the beginning of the second quarter, Taiwan-based firms added, China-based peers have been continuously transferring orders to Taiwan.
Taiwan-based solar cell firms such as Motech, Neo Solar Power (NSP), Gintech, Solartech, and E-Ton Solar expect to see increasing shipments in May.
