Europe Leads July 2025 Chinese Solar Module Exports

China’s solar module exports rose 8% year-on-year (YoY) in July 2025, reaching nearly 21.25 GW, InfoLink Consulting has reported. Shipments from January to July totaled 148.6 GW, down 2% from the same period in 2024, with Europe receiving about 47% of the volume. 

Europe was also the largest destination for Chinese modules in July 2025, as it sourced approximately 10 GW, 2% higher compared to June and 16% more than the 8.5 GW reported for July last year. The Netherlands was followed by Greece as the 2nd top destination during the month in the region. Exports to Greece, totaling around 950 MW, rose 186% compared to 330 MW in July 2024.  

During 7M 2025, Europe imported around 60.4 GW of solar modules, compared to 62.7 GW last year, led by the Netherlands, Spain, and France.  

Asia Pacific was the 2nd largest destination for Chinese modules in July this year, importing close to 4.9 GW, representing a 10% decline from the previous month and 6% from 5.2 GW during the same period last year. The Philippines imported 1.11 GW of modules, 170% more than the 400 MW reported in July 2024. The country accounted for 23% of the total volume in the region. 

Exports to Pakistan, one of the largest markets for Chinese panels last year, were down 10% YoY, totaling 900 MW in July 2025, but the country was the largest market within 7M 2025 with 14.3 GW exports out of 47.37 GW. India was next with 8.3 GW for 7M 2025, as the country prefers domestically produced panels over imported ones. 

Brazil was the top market for Chinese panels in July as it took approximately 980 MW or 44% of the total imports to the Americas out of a total of 2.25 GW — an 11% month-on-month (MoM) increase, but a 6% YoY decrease. Cuba and Chile followed next with 290 MW and 250 MW. Brazil also led the Americas in 7M 2025, accounting for 7.82 GW out of overall shipments of 16.4 GW. 

Although the Middle East is a growing market for Chinese manufacturers, exports to the region declined 14% month-on-month (MoM). Out of 2.62 GW exported to the region, Saudi Arabia accounted for 1.18 GW with a 19% YoY decrease, but represented 45% of the total Middle Eastern imports. The UAE followed next with a 20% share. For 7M 2025, China exported 15.53 GW to the region, representing a 14% YoY decline, and led by Saudi Arabia’s 6.14 GW. InfoLink attributes this to the onset of high temperatures.  

Africa was the bright spot for Chinese exports, with the market growing nearly 46% YoY between January and July this year for a total of 8.89 GW. South Africa led with 1.93 GW. The country was also the largest market in July as it purchased 285 MW or 18% of the 1.62 GW that the Chinese shipped in July 2025 – a 10% MoM increase and a 47% YoY increase.  

According to InfoLink’s assessment, adjustments to China's export tax rebates, a slight increase in module prices due to China's policy preparations, and low inventory levels in some overseas markets led some manufacturers to stock up in advance, which indicates that there will still be a slight increase in Q3 2025. 

While future import growth in Europe will be limited as it would depend on individual demand of specific markets, Chinese manufacturers may see growth in smaller countries in the Asia Pacific, yet InfoLink cautions regarding geopolitical risks. 

On a related note, in a LinkedIn post, Frank Haugwitz of Apricum consultancy refers to data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) and China customs to show that the export of wafers, cells, and modules declined in terms of value by 26.8% YoY to $13.8 billion in H1 2025.  

While wafer exports increased in terms of volume by 5% or 2.94 billion pieces, their value declined by 54.2%. On the other hand, solar cell exports amounted to 44.4 GW, representing a 59.1% YoY increase, and their value rose 31.1% over the same period.