Germany mulls solar panel anti-dumping suit vs China

Environment Minister Peter Altmaier told German broadcaster ZDF late on Thursday that there had to be fair competition in the global market and anti-dumping proceedings might be one way of ensuring this.

Altmaier also recently suggested higher import duties as another way to prevent price dumping.

The ministry was not immediately available for further comment on Friday.

Germany's once-booming solar panel makers are struggling to digest steep cuts in state support and increasing competition.

German firm Solarworld recently brought a suit with American firms in the United States against cheap Chinese imports, with a degree of success.

Solarworld chief executive Frank Asbeck said Chinese firms were making losses but enjoyed financial support from the government. German firms have filed a suit with the European Commission, with the backing of the Environment Ministry.

(Writing by Alexandra Hudson)