The Greater Phoenix Economic Council has launched a formal protest against US tariffs on Chinese solar manufactures. GPEC says the tariff will harm Arizona’s solar industry.

PETER O’DOWD: A trade war is brewing with the US and China. The US government imposed a 31-percent tariff this spring on Chinese solar imports, after accusations that Chinese manufactures were dumping their subsidized solar panels onto the market, and selling them below value. But GPEC CEO Barry Broome says the move threatens up to $400 million in Chinese investment in the Valley.

BARRY BROOME: This isn’t Chinese companies versus US companies. This is about getting a net-new industry off the ground. And if this new industry doesn’t get off the ground, then there’s a tremendous lost opportunity.

O’DOWD: Tempe-based First Solar would not comment on the tariff or GPEC’s complaint. Broome says GPEC will testify before the International Trade Commission in October.

Read GPEC's letter to the US Department of Commerce.