Global PV Customs Data Analysis Report
Uncover country-level insights and supply chain dynamics across six key markets.
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| Author | Amy Fang |
| Updated | July 03, 2025 |
InfoLink’s customs data shows that China exported 22.37 GW of modules in May 2025, up 5% MoM and up 5% YoY from 21.2 GW. China's total module exports from January to May 2025 reached 105.65 GW, down 4% YoY from 109.76 GW.
In May 2025, the top five single-country markets importing Chinese modules were, in order, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, and Brazil, together accounting for 38% of the global total during this period. Regionally, all major markets except Asia-Pacific saw growth compared to April. Asia-Pacific imports fell slightly by 4%, while the Middle East and Africa grew by around 18% and 20%, respectively. Comparing cumulative imports from January to May 2025 with the same period last year, Africa experienced strong growth of nearly 50%, the Asia-Pacific rose slightly by 7%, while Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East recorded declines.
Europe
In May 2025, China exported 9.89 GW of modules to Europe, up 5% MoM but down 9% YoY from 10.86 GW. From January to May 2025, China’s cumulative module exports to Europe reached 40.81 GW, down 9% YoY from 44.88 GW.
Excluding the Netherlands, Europe's largest shipping hub, there were some changes in May 2025. Spain, which usually ranked second for Chinese module imports, was overtaken by France. France imported about 0.82 GW of modules in May 2025, up 65% YoY from 0.48 GW, making up 8% of Europe’s total imports, trailing only the Netherlands’ 36% share. From January to May 2025, France also surpassed Spain in cumulative imports, reaching 3.653 GW compared to Spain’s 3.647 GW, placing Spain third.
Asia-Pacific
In May 2025, China exported 6.47 GW of modules to the Asia-Pacific, down 4% MoM but up 46% YoY from 4.42 GW. From January to May 2025, China’s total module exports to the Asia-Pacific reached 37.1 GW, up 7% YoY from 34.5 GW.
Pakistan remained the largest importer of Chinese modules in the Asia-Pacific market in May 2025, receiving 2.34 GW, up 164% YoY from 0.89 GW, making up 36% of the regional total. Australia ranked second with 0.63 GW, 10% of the total. Pakistan also led imports from January to May 2025 with 12.23 GW, up 19% YoY from 10.3 GW.
Notably, India’s imports were impacted by the fiscal year-end in early April 2025, causing shipments to shrink in both April and May 2025. In May, China exported only 0.5 GW of modules to India. However, India remained the second-largest importer in the Asia-Pacific from January to May 2025, with a total of 7.68 GW.
Americas
The Americas imported 1.92 GW of modules from China in May, up 5% MoM and down 25% YoY from 2.57 GW. From January to May, cumulative module shipments to the Americas reached 12.1 GW, down 12% YoY from 13.9 GW.
Brazil still accounted for the largest single-country share of Chinese module imports in the Americas in May, with 0.82 GW imported in total, down 56% YoY from 1.87 GW. This volume represented 42% of the region's total, followed by Mexico with 0.2 GW (10%). Brazil also topped cumulative shipment volumes in January-May, importing 6 GW, down 41% YoY from 10.12 GW.
The Middle East and Africa
The Middle East imported 2.68 GW of modules from China in May, up 18% MoM and up 8% YoY from 2.47 GW. From January to May, cumulative Chinese module shipments to the Middle East totaled 9.86 GW, down 22% YoY from 12.65 GW.
Saudi Arabia imported 0.98 GW of Chinese modules in May, down 23% YoY from 1.3 GW, accounting for the largest single-country share (37%) in the Middle East. The UAE ranked second with 0.6 GW, representing 23% of the regional total. Saudi Arabia led cumulative shipments in January-May, with 3.76 GW imported, down 46% YoY from 7 GW.
Africa imported 1.4 GW of modules from China in May, up 20% MoM and up 57% YoY from 0.9 GW. From January to May, cumulative Chinese module shipments to Africa totaled 5.8 GW, up 49% YoY from 3.9 GW.
South Africa imported 0.21 GW of Chinese modules in May, down 18% YoY from 0.26 GW, accounting for the largest single-country share (15%) in Africa. Egypt ranked second with 0.19 GW, representing 14% of the regional total. South Africa led cumulative shipments in January-May, with 1.13 GW imported, up 19% YoY from 1.12 GW. Notably, some small countries with previously no PV demand saw increases in May, indicating that procurement volumes in African countries other than South Africa are gradually growing.
From January to May, China’s exports to non-China markets were constrained in the earlier months. This was due to cautious production planning and policy-driven installation deadlines in China, the traditional off-season, and the end of fiscal year. Consequently, exports saw a notable decline from January to April.
However, in May, the installation rush ended in China, overall demand began to ease, and module manufacturers slowed the pace of production cuts. As a result, Chinese suppliers began seeking overseas orders after April-May, as previously anticipated. Under an optimistic scenario, China’s module exports in Q2 could see QoQ growth. Whether exports can achieve YoY growth will depend on the pace of demand recovery in non-China markets and market stability.
