Reuters reported on 18 September 2026 that China’s solar power equipment exports fell 39% in August from a year earlier, according to customs data released Friday — a fourth consecutive month of decline after the removal of an export tax rebate.
China, the world’s largest solar cell and panel manufacturer, exported 840,000 metric tons of solar cells and panels in August, down 39% year on year but up slightly from July’s 830,000 tons. August solar exports were valued at USD 2.25 billion, down 23.1% from a year earlier.
On a per-unit basis, China shipped 37.8% fewer cells and panels, or 924.9 million units. The print is useful for procurement teams that buy Chinese PV modules or cells: volume and value are both down sharply year on year even as month-on-month tonnage ticked up slightly from July, so factory quotes and lead times should be checked case by case rather than assumed from the stronger EV and battery export lines.