US, EU, and China Reportedly in Talks To End Solar Energy Dispute

Tensions regarding the issue have been on the rise recently

The Obama administration is engaged in preliminary talks with the European Union and China to settle a dispute over trade in solar-energy equipment and avoid a conflict among the world's largest economies, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The effort is focused on setting a quota on Chinese exports and a minimum price for solar-energy equipment, in exchange for suspending U.S. duties on the goods, according to two people familiar with the U.S. position who asked not to be identified to discuss private deliberations.

"After expressing our intentions to the White House, we are very encouraged that these long-needed negotiations appear ready to proceed," said John Smirnow, vice president of trade and competitiveness for the Solar Energy Industries Association. "It's time for everyone to work together toward a fair resolution of these cases."