China's solar exports to African and Southeast Asian countries continued to surge year-on-year in April, China customs data showed on Wednesday, indicating that global demand for renewable energy helped offset concerns over anticipated price hikes.
According to Reuters, here are some details:
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Exports of solar cells and panels to African countries in April climbed 83% year-on-year to 123,787 metric tons. However, shipments declined from the March peak of 209,474 tons. In comparison, exports to Africa stood at 67,552 tons in April 2025.
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The surge in March was supported by buyers worldwide rushing to secure shipments before China ended its export tax refund policy on April 1, a move expected to push up prices.
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Meanwhile, exports to Southeast Asia increased 75% year-on-year to 170,733 tons in April, although they eased from 336,891 tons in March.
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Total exports of solar cells and panels in April rose 60% on a per-unit basis and 4% on a volume basis, dragged down by lower volumes exported to South Asia and the Middle East.
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The Netherlands, a key transhipment hub for Europe, was the top importing country by volume. Its shipments, valued at $380.8 million, were down 2.5% year-on-year at 177,391 tons.
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The Philippines, which had nearly quadrupled its imports year-on-year in March, came in as the second-largest importer by volume. It more than doubled its imports from April 2025, although volumes slumped last month to 56,744 tons, down from 111,599 tons in March.
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The top African buyers were South Africa, which purchased 81.4% more on a volume basis in April, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has one of the world's lowest rates of electrification, rose 482% to 17,953 tons.
