PV panel exports during Jan-Feb were found to be flat, a somewhat startling statistic given the rush to procure PV panels in the EU and other regions. Custom figures for Jan-Feb 2023 reveal that exports did not reflect any growth. Nonetheless, the European Union continues to represent a significant 55% share in China’s photovoltaic panel exports.
China is one of the largest producers. They are the important exporter of photovoltaic (PV) panels in the world.
The European Union (EU) is one of its major export destinations. PV panels, also known as solar panels. They are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. All of them are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. The export of PV panels from China to the EU has increased significantly in recent years. In 2020, the EU imported over 80% of its total PV panel imports from China. This is according to the European Commission. This represents a significant increase from just a decade ago, when China’s share of the EU’s PV panel imports was much smaller.
For the increase in exports of PV panels from China to the EU there are several factors.
One of the main reasons is the low cost of production in China, which makes Chinese PV panels more affordable than those produced in other countries. Another factor is the high demand for renewable energy in the EU, as the region seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and meet its climate goals.
However, the export of PV panels from China to the EU has not been without controversy. In 2013, the EU imposed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese PV panels. This was citing unfair trade practices. The tariffs were gradually phased out over several years. In 2018, the EU and China reached a new agreement on the import of PV panels. Under the agreement, Chinese PV panel exporters agreed to abide by a minimum import price, which would prevent them from undercutting European producers.