Global PV Customs Data Analysis Report
Uncover country-level insights and supply chain dynamics across six key markets.
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Author | Amy Fang |
| Updated | December 19, 2025 |
InfoLink’s customs data shows that China exported 20.29 GW of PV modules in October 2025, down 24% MoM. Despite the decline starting October, exports still performed well, rising 17% YoY from 17.34 GW. China's total module exports from January to October 2025 reached 226.45 GW, up 11% YoY from 204.11 GW.
In October 2025, the top five single-country importers of Chinese modules were, in order, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil, France, and Belgium, together accounting for 32% of the global total.
By region, all five major markets saw declines in October 2025. Europe remained the largest destination for Chinese module exports; however, despite sustained shipment volumes, exports to Europe have dropped for the second consecutive month, down 31% MoM. Asia-Pacific imports continued to fall, down 17% MoM. Demand in the Middle East fell further, down 14% MoM. The Americas were still influenced by lower shipments to Brazil, resulting in a sharp MoM decline of 27%. Meanwhile, although Africa had maintained steady shipments in recent months, exports to the region also contracted in October, down 22% MoM.
Europe
According to China’s customs data, around 7.55 GW of modules were exported to Europe in October 2025, down 31% MoM but up 8% YoY from 7 GW. From January to October 2025, China’s total module exports to Europe reached 91 GW, up 8% YoY from 85 GW.
Excluding the Netherlands, Europe's largest shipping hub, France took second place in October 2025, with Chinese module imports of 0.73 GW—a sharp 76% YoY growth from 0.42 GW—making up 10% of Europe’s total imports, trailing only the Netherlands’ 31% share. For total imports from January to October 2025, France overtook Spain to rank second with 7.62 GW; Belgium followed closely with 7.56 GW, ranking third.
The Asia-Pacific
In October 2025, China exported 5.5 GW of modules to the Asia-Pacific, down 17% MoM but up 27% YoY from 4.3 GW. From January to October 2025, China’s total module exports to the Asia-Pacific reached 69 GW, up 18% YoY from 59 GW.
At the country level, there was a notable shift in October 2025. Pakistan, which had historically been the largest importer in the Asia-Pacific, was overtaken by Japan. Benefiting from simplified approval procedures in 2025, demand for small- and mid-scale projects in Japan has rebounded. In addition, policy measures requiring rooftop PV installations for new buildings in Tokyo have further supported demand. As a result, Japan’s average monthly imports in 2025 have generally landed at 0.5–0.55 GW. In October 2025, China exported 0.628 GW of modules to Japan, down 11% YoY from 0.7 GW, accounting for 11% of the Asia-Pacific market.
Uzbekistan rose to second place in October, with monthly imports exceeding 0.5 GW for the first time and reaching 0.595 GW. Shipments to Central Asia have continued to expand, supported by the overseas expansion of Chinese companies.
Laos ranked third, with monthly imports reaching 0.571 GW for the first time. Since June, projects in Laos have progressed steadily under policy support, and demand is expected to strengthen further in November and December.
From January to October 2025, developments in emerging Asia-Pacific markets are particularly noteworthy, as previously smaller markets recorded significant growth in October. Cumulatively, Pakistan remained the largest importer in the Asia-Pacific region with total imports of 17.24 GW, while India continued to rank second with 11.57 GW.
The Americas
In October 2025, China exported 2.77 GW of modules to the Americas, down 27% MoM and up 6% YoY from 2.6 GW. From January to October 2025, China’s total module exports to the Americas reached 26 GW, slightly down 4% YoY from 27 GW.
Brazil still accounted for the largest single-country share of Chinese module imports in the Americas in October. The total imports reached 1.3 GW, representing 47% of the regional total, down 23% YoY from 1.7 GW. Brazil’s market is constrained by both regulatory and financing headwinds, making module import activity more likely to fluctuate within the quarter rather than trend steadily upward.
Chile and Mexico followed in the ranking, importing around 0.363 GW (13%) and 0.25 GW (9%), respectively. From January to October, Brazil also ranked first in cumulative imports, totaling 12.68 GW.
The Middle East
The Middle East imported 2.93 GW of modules from China in October, down 14% MoM and up 33% YoY from 2.2 GW. From January to October, cumulative Chinese module shipments to the Middle East totaled 25.6 GW, slightly up 2% YoY from 25.2 GW.
Following the trend in September, the UAE’s import volume increased in October, with monthly inflows reaching 1.4 GW. The country remains in first place; however, as projects move toward completion, a mild downward trend has emerged. Monthly imports to Saudi Arabia declined to around 0.54 GW as major projects near completion.
From January to October, Saudi Arabia remained the largest importer, with cumulative imports reaching 8.62 GW, while the UAE registered a total import volume of 8.18 GW.
Africa
Africa imported 1.6 GW of modules from China in October, down 22% MoM and up 30% YoY from 1.2 GW. From January to October, cumulative Chinese module shipments to Africa totaled 14.17 GW, up 57% YoY from 9.0 GW.
Egypt has now subtly surpassed South Africa to become the largest destination country, with import levels reaching 0.4 GW in October, accounting for around 25%. This upward trend began in May and continued to accelerate in July.
South Africa saw a slight decline this month but maintained a meaningful share, with total module imports of 0.37 GW, representing 20% of Africa’s total import volume. Algeria recorded about 0.188 GW, accounting for 12%. From January to October, cumulative figures show that South Africa still leads with 3.05 GW.
Conclusion
Overall, October export data indicate that 2025 shipment volumes remain on a growth trajectory but have entered a phase of demand-side cooling, while still demonstrating YoY resilience. Export market concentration remains high, with the five major regions all showing signs of softening. In a weaker market environment, companies will need to recalibrate their export focus, with Asia—particularly Central Asia—emerging as a structural bright spot, as noted in the previous report.
Amid rising global trade policy uncertainty, policy interpretation and forward-looking assessment have become key variables in PV supply-chain deployment and price outlooks. Export market dynamics are expected to stabilize in November–December, with Europe remaining the primary market.
European spot module prices stayed relatively stable with low volatility in October–November, reflecting demand-driven procurement rather than inventory buildup. In December, year-end factors such as the Christmas holiday are likely to shift most markets toward settlement and tighter control over new shipments.
