China’s exports of solar panels and cells to Africa and Southeast Asia continued to rise sharply in April despite concerns that the end of Beijing’s export tax rebates would push up prices, customs data showed.
Shipments to African countries jumped 83 percent year-on-year to 123,787 metric tons in April, compared with 67,552 tons during the same month last year.
Although exports eased from a March peak of 209,474 tons, analysts said demand for renewable energy across developing economies remained strong.
Exports to Southeast Asia also climbed sharply, rising 75 percent from a year earlier to 170,733 tons in April.
However, shipments to the region fell from March levels of 336,891 tons as buyers slowed purchases after rushing to secure supplies ahead of changes to China’s export tax refund policy.
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China ended the rebate programme on April 1, a move widely expected to increase export prices for solar equipment.
The rush to lock in shipments before the policy change boosted exports globally in March, particularly among countries seeking to expand renewable energy capacity while keeping costs low.
Overall, China’s exports of solar cells and panels rose 60 percent year-on-year on a per-unit basis in April, though export volumes increased by a more modest four percent due to weaker shipments to South Asia and the Middle East.
The Netherlands remained the largest importer by volume, reflecting its role as a major transit hub for European markets.
Chinese solar shipments to the Netherlands totalled 177,391 tons in April, worth about $380.8 million, although volumes were down 2.5 percent from a year earlier.
The Philippines ranked as the second-largest importer by volume after nearly quadrupling its purchases in March.
Imports by the Southeast Asian nation more than doubled year-on-year in April, but volumes fell sharply from the previous month to 56,744 tons from 111,599 tons in March.
Africa continued to emerge as an important growth market for Chinese solar exports as countries seek to expand access to electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
South Africa remained the continent’s biggest buyer, increasing imports by more than 81 percent in April compared with the previous year.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo also recorded a sharp rise in purchases.
Exports to the central African country surged 482 percent year-on-year to 17,953 tons.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the world’s lowest electrification rates, with millions lacking reliable access to power, prompting growing investment in off-grid and renewable energy projects.
China dominates the global solar manufacturing industry and supplies most of the world’s solar panels and related components.
