Sunday’s report on Turkey initiating anti-dumping probe into Chinese aluminium solar frames imports make both the global aluminium and solar industries wonder 'WHY', given the nation’s growing solar energy capacity. In only two and half years, Turkey’s solar energy capacity surged by 102 per cent and reached 19.6 GW by the end of 2024, surpassing the 2025 target ahead of time. Against this backdrop, Turkey’s decision to target China, a key supplier of aluminium solar frames, comes as a surprise.
China – dominant supplier under scrutiny
China remains Turkey’s largest exporter of aluminium photovoltaic (PV) frames. In 2023, China alone exported 280,000 tonnes of solar frames, accounting for 76 per cent of Turkey’s total imports. This, according to Turkey, is undercutting local manufacturers, creating an uneven playing field and pressuring domestic producers with unfair pricing competition.
Yet the fundamental question remains unanswered that how Turkey will maintain its momentum in deploying solar capacity if access to affordable Chinese frames becomes restricted with up to 25 per cent duty?
Turkey’s production – may or may not meet demand without China?
Turkey houses three companies involved into manufacturing aluminium frames - Arslan Alüminyum, Anka Alüminyum Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., and CW Enerji. Arslan Alüminyum has 5,200 tonnes of annual extrusion profile production capacity after adding on new extrusion presses in 2023. Anka Alüminyum, on the other hand, possesses 7,200 tonnes of annual aluminium profile. So, these two companies together boast 12,400 tonnes of annual aluminium profile capacity.
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