- Exports of solar, batteries and electric vehicles reach record US$21.9 billion in March 2026.
- Year on year growth of 70% driven by the Iran war, high oil and gas prices and policy shifts.
- Rising global demand reinforces China’s dominance in clean energy supply chains.
China’s so called new three industries, comprising solar, lithium ion batteries and electric vehicles, recorded a sharp increase in exports in March 2026, reaching a combined value of US$21.9 billion. The figure represents a 70% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting accelerating global demand for clean energy technologies.
The surge comes amid elevated oil and gas prices linked to ongoing regional conflicts, which have intensified the shift toward alternative energy solutions. Changes in export rebate policies have also contributed to the rapid growth in outbound shipments.
The total export value includes solar products, battery technologies and electric vehicles, all of which are experiencing strong international demand. Solar shipments in particular continue to expand at scale. Earlier data indicates that China exported approximately 43.1 GW of photovoltaic modules in 2024, underscoring the country’s manufacturing capacity and global reach.
China’s position in the global solar supply chain remains dominant, with more than 80% market share across key manufacturing stages. This scale of production continues to support energy transition efforts worldwide by improving access to affordable clean technologies.
At the same time, the surge in exports is shaping market dynamics and policy discussions. While increased supply is helping countries reduce reliance on fossil fuels, it is also raising concerns around supply chain concentration and industrial competitiveness in key regions.
The latest export figures highlight both the speed of the global energy transition and the central role of China’s manufacturing sector in meeting rising demand for clean energy solutions.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
