BRUSSELS: The European Commission (EC) has softened its proposal to extend anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels to take account of opposition from a majority of EU countries, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The EC, which oversees EU trade policy, recommends limiting the extension of measures to 18 months, from an original 24, and making clear that this period represents a final phasing out of duties that have been in place since 2013.
The proposal will be put to a meeting of the EU’s 28 commissioners on Wednesday, a source said.
The EC faces a delicate balancing act between the interests of EU manufacturers and those benefiting from cheap imports, with nervousness about the response from Beijing, seen as a possible partner in the fight against protectionism.
The EU and China came close to a trade war in 2013 over EU allegations of solar panel dumping by China.
To avoid that, both sides agreed to allow limited tariff-free imports of panels at a minimum price of €0.56 per watt, anti-dumping duties of up to 64.9 percent for those outside the agreement and anti-subsidy duties capped at 11.5 percent.
A majority of EU countries last month opposed the EC’s initial plan to extend anti-dumping duties for another two years, putting pressure on the EU executive to soften its position.
However, the opposition from 18 countries fell short of a “qualified majority” that would be required to block an EC proposal because they do not represent a majority of the EU’s population.
The EU governments did back a two-year extension of tariffs designed to counter subsidies. Under the new recommendation, they would also only be extended for 18 months.
The commission has also proposed cutting the minimum price for panels to €0.46 per watt. In its new proposal, this price could be steadily reduced.
The case is due to be settled by March 3.
EU may soften anti-dumping duties on Beijing
EU may soften anti-dumping duties on Beijing
PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.
According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries.
The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.
AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.
AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.
Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”
He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”
Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.
AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance.
Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.
