Boston, MA 06/13/2014 (wallstreetpr) – According to an analyst at Trefis Team, the Indian government’s decision to impose anti-dumping duties on imports of solar cells could mean an opportunity for First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR).
Recommendations Of Duties
In view of the low-priced imported cells that are hurting the competitiveness of the local cell manufacturers, India’s ‘Directorate General ofAnti Dumping and Allied Duties’ has come up with the recommendation to impose duties on the solar cells imported from the United States, China, Taiwan and Malaysia.
Trefis further stated in their note that since the Finance Ministry has still three months in hands to review the recommendation and take a final call, the proposed duties would have a positive effect on the First Solar. The reason being that the company faces the lowest tariffs as against the Chinese solar cell manufacturers, who are charged with duties that could double their effective prices in the Indian market. The research company has $66 per share price estimate over First Solar, which trades at $63.90 per share.
First Solar’s Advantage
Trefis mentioned that the decision about imposing duties could drag down the progress of the solar cell installation in India, a condition that India is less likely to afford. Moreover, there is a possibility that the newly formed government might not go ahead with the anti-dumping decision, based on the critical consequences it will have on the country. But, at the same time, it is noteworthy that uptill now, the recommendations from the anti-dumping body have found its favor in the government.
Still, if in case the proposals of duties go ahead, then First Solar would face duties of just $0.11 per watt, implying a less than 20% rise in its prices. This will be in sharp contrast to the scenario of the U.S. and Chinese manufacturers, who could face proposed duties of $0.48 and $0.81 per watt. Thus, Trefis concludes that First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is in a better position to get leverage from its lower duties in the Indian market.
