China’s solar shipments abroad surged 60% year-on-year in April, according to China’s General Administration of Customs data released on Monday, showing continued strength in overseas demand even after Beijing removed an export tax refund program.
The data showed that China exported solar cells worth $3.12 billion during the month.
The increase in shipments came despite concerns that the cancellation of export tax rebates from April 1 could weigh on overseas sales.
However, the actual growth in energy terms could be even higher than the figures suggest, as advances in photovoltaic technology have improved efficiency over time.
Solar exports ease from March peak
Although exports remained significantly higher than a year earlier, shipments declined on a monthly basis.
China exported 1.34 billion solar cells in April, down from 1.71 billion in March.
In volume terms, exports stood at 1.16 million metric tons during April, compared with a record 1.78 million tons in March.
The March surge was partly driven by strong demand from Southeast Asia and Africa.
Analysts said buyers accelerated imports ahead of the government’s decision to end the export tax refund scheme.
Investors have also been betting that the Iran war could increase global demand for renewable energy.
However, analysts said the unusually strong March figures were also influenced by front-loading activity before the tax policy change took effect.
China’s customs administration is expected to release country-specific export data on Wednesday, which could provide further insight into the destinations driving demand growth.
Tax refund removal fails to dent overseas demand
The latest data suggested that the removal of export tax refunds has not yet significantly affected China’s solar exports.
China remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of solar equipment, and overseas demand has continued to support shipment volumes despite policy changes.
The strong export performance comes at a time when global renewable energy demand remains elevated, particularly across emerging markets seeking to expand solar infrastructure.
Although April exports fell from the previous month’s peak levels, the year-on-year growth highlighted the resilience of China’s solar manufacturing sector.
Yuan strengthens on export competitiveness
Several global investment banks have revised their forecasts for the Chinese yuan higher, citing the country’s export competitiveness and stable trade relations with the United States.
The Chinese currency has strengthened steadily this year.
On Monday, the yuan traded at 6.8040 per US dollar, marking a rise of nearly 3% against the greenback in 2026.
The yuan has also gained around 2.6% against China’s major trading partners during the same period.
Analysts said the currency’s strength reflected confidence in China’s export sector, which has remained resilient despite global trade uncertainties and shifting policy conditions.
The stronger yuan also comes alongside continued export growth in sectors such as renewable energy equipment, where Chinese manufacturers continue to play a dominant role in global supply chains.
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