China’s solar PV module exports reach 62 GW in 1Q25, down 8% YoY

InfoLink’s customs data shows that China exported about 23.38 GW of PV modules in March 2025, up 44% MoM but down 5% YoY from 24.51 GW. China's total module exports reached 61.9 GW in 1Q25, down 8% YoY from 67.62 GW.

In March 2025, the top five single-country markets importing Chinese modules were, in order, Pakistan, the Netherlands, India, Brazil, and France, together accounting for 41% of the global total during this period. Regionally, module shipments to Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa all saw MoM rises in March, while the Americas saw a slight decline. Throughout 1Q25, only Africa showed YoY growth in module demand; all other regions recorded lower YoY import volumes.


 

Europe

Europe imported 8.43 GW of Chinese modules in March 2025, up 45% MoM but down 13% YoY from 9.67 GW. Total imports from China reached 21.53 GW in 1Q25, down 9% YoY from 23.7 GW.

Excluding the Netherlands, Europe's largest shipping hub, France ranked second among individual countries for Chinese module imports in March 2025, receiving 0.86 GW, up 13% YoY from 0.77 GW, accounting for 10% of Europe’s total imports, trailing only the Netherlands’ 36% share. As to quarterly shipments, Spain was the second-largest European importer in 1Q25, importing a total of 2.03 GW of modules from China.


 

 Asia-Pacific 

The Asia-Pacific imported 8.92 GW of Chinese modules in March 2025, up 43% MoM and up 7% YoY from 8.31 GW. Total imports from China reached 23.88 GW in 1Q25, down 4% YoY from 24.75 GW.

Pakistan led the Asia-Pacific market in Chinese module imports in March 2025, reaching 3.46 GW, up 7% YoY from 3.22 GW, and making up 39% of the regional total. India ranked second with 1.31 GW, representing 15% of the regional total. Pakistan also led in Q1 cumulative imports, with a total of 7.34 GW in 1Q25.


 

 Americas

The Americas imported 2.32 GW of modules from China in March, down 1% MoM and down 6% YoY from 2.48 GW. By the end of March, Q1 cumulative module shipments to the Americas totaled 8.36 GW, down 7% YoY from 9 GW.

Brazil accounted for the largest single-country share of Chinese module imports in the Americas in March, with 0.98 GW imported in total, down 40% YoY from 1.64 GW. This volume represented 42% of the region's total, followed by Columbia with 0.42 GW (18%). Brazil topped shipment volumes again in Q1, importing 4.45 GW.

The Middle East and Africa

The Middle East imported 2.4 GW of modules from China in March, up 82% MoM and down 22% YoY from 3.07 GW. By the end of March, Q1 cumulative module shipments to the Middle East totaled 4.9 GW, down 38% YoY from 7.87 GW.

Saudi Arabia imported 0.81 GW of Chinese modules in March, down 53% YoY from 1.74 GW, accounting for the largest single-country share (34%) in the Middle East. The UAE ranked second with 0.75 GW, representing 31% of the regional total. Saudi Arabia led shipments in Q1, with 1.83 GW imported.


 

Africa imported 1.32 GW of modules from China in March, up 126% MoM and 33% YoY from 0.99 GW. By the end of March, Q1 cumulative module shipments reached 3.22 GW, up 39% YoY from 2.31 GW. Africa was the only regional market to see YoY growth in Q1.

Among African countries, South Africa imported 0.41 GW of Chinese modules in March, up 58% YoY from 0.26 GW, accounting for the largest regional share (31%). Morocco ranked second with 0.14 GW, accounting or 10%. South Africa led Q1 shipments with 0.9 GW.


 

According to InfoLink’s Customs Data, China exported 23.38 GW of modules in March, up 44% MoM and down 5% YoY from 24.51 GW. By the end of March, China totally exported 61.9 GW of modules in Q1, down 8% YoY from 67.62 GW.

In 1Q25, global PV shipments fell YoY in all regions except Africa. The drop was mainly due to manufacturers prioritizing higher-quality growth amid severe oversupply, leading many to scale back utilization rates. Facing China’s Notice on Deepening the Market-Oriented Reform of New Energy On-Grid Electricity Prices to Promote High-Quality Development of New Energy in early 2025 and the April 30 and May 31 deadlines, most Chinese manufacturers prioritized local orders and delayed low-priced shipments to non-China markets, slightly reducing export volumes.

However, with the installation rush nearing its end in China, module manufacturers have begun fulfilling earlier non-China orders. As Q2 demand picks up, China’s module exports are expected to rise QoQ. Whether they can surpass 2Q24 levels will depend on non-China demand trends and overall market stability.