German solar manufacturers say the European Union’s moves to counter alleged unfair trade practices from China - announced yesterday - are coming too late for many in the industry. Job losses have increased as German production of cyrstalline-solar cells - a major component of solar panels - has shrunk from 23 per cent of global capacity to four over the past six years. In the same period, China’s share in global production has grown from 26 to 66 per cent amidst price wars that have slashed selling prices for solar panels in half within the past year. Industry experts say the falling profit margins will thin out weaker manufacturers in all markets, including China, and that companies that can produce improved technologies through strong R&D will have a competitive advantage.
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