China’s solar exports to Africa and Southeast Asia surged in April, underscoring resilient global demand for renewable energy even as policy changes at home begin to reshape pricing dynamics.
Data from Chinese customs shows shipments of solar cells and panels to African countries jumped 83% year on year to 123,787 metric tons. While that marked a slight pullback from March’s peak, it still represents a sharp rise from April 2025 levels, when exports stood at 67,552 tons.
The earlier spike in March was driven in part by buyers rushing to secure supplies before China ended its export tax refund policy on April 1, a move widely expected to push up global prices. The April figures suggest that demand has held firm despite those concerns.
Across Southeast Asia, exports rose 75% year on year to 170,733 tons, though volumes also eased from March highs. Overall, China’s total solar exports increased 60% on a per unit basis, but just 4% in volume terms, weighed down by weaker shipments to South Asia and the Middle East.
Europe remained a key destination through transhipment routes, with Netherlands retaining its position as the top importer by volume despite a modest annual decline. The Philippines ranked second, more than doubling imports compared to a year earlier, even as volumes dropped sharply from March.
In Africa, demand is being driven by both energy deficits and growing investment in renewables. South Africa led the continent’s imports, increasing purchases by over 80% year on year, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where imports surged 482%.
The rise in shipments to Congo is particularly notable given its low electrification rate, highlighting how solar is increasingly seen as a viable solution for bridging energy access gaps in underserved markets.
The broader trend reflects a shifting global energy landscape. As countries push to diversify away from fossil fuels while managing cost pressures, Chinese solar exports continue to play a central role in scaling up renewable capacity, especially in emerging markets.
