China disputes solar PLI scheme at WTO

BEIJING CLAIMS MEASURE DISCRIMINATORY

- MUKESH JAGOTA

CHINA HAS CHALLENGED India’s production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, modules, duties on smartphones, semiconductors and their machinery at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The PLI scheme and the duty structure that have been challenged are part of the government’s bouquet of schemes intended to make India a global base of emerging areas of manufacturing.

In a communication to the trade watchdog making assertions that these programmes and duties discriminate against Chinese products, China has sought consultations with India on the measures at a “mutually convenient” date. China had approached WTO with the request for consultation with India on December 19, and on December 23 the request was circulated to WTO members, according to a statement by the world trade watchdog.