# China’s Solar Exports Fall 21.4% in July as Tax Rebate Ends
**BEIJING:** China’s exports of solar cells and panels fell **21.4% year-on-year in July**, marking the third consecutive monthly decline as the withdrawal of an export tax rebate continued to weigh on shipments, according to customs data released Tuesday.
China, the world’s largest solar manufacturing hub, exported around **830,000 metric tonnes** of solar cells and panels in July, down from 980,000 tonnes in June and significantly below the record monthly volume of 1.75 million tonnes recorded in March.
The March surge came as exporters accelerated shipments to take advantage of the remaining period of the export tax rebate before its cancellation.
Despite the sharp decline in export volumes, the value of China’s solar exports in July fell by only **4% year-on-year to $2.13 billion**.
On a unit basis, China exported **40.4% fewer solar cells and panels** than in July last year, with shipments declining to 658.73 million units, according to the data.
The export pattern has also shifted geographically in recent months. Shipments to **Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa** have continued to increase, while exports to Europe, China’s largest overseas solar market, have declined.
The latest figures highlight the continuing impact of changes to China’s export tax policy on the country’s massive solar manufacturing industry, which has been facing pressure from intense competition and overcapacity.
China’s General Administration of Customs is scheduled to release more detailed solar export data for July on Thursday, providing a clearer picture of shipments by destination and product category.
By Reuters
