Double reversed Chinese PV exports to the United States by 80%

Wang Bohua: China's Solar Exports to the U.S. Drop by 80% Amid Anti-Dumping Investigations

At the International Solar Energy Symposium 2012, Wang Bohua, Secretary General of the China Photovoltaic Industry Alliance, revealed that China's solar product exports to the United States have plummeted by 80% since the U.S. initiated investigations into its photovoltaic imports. In January of this year, exports stood at $387 million, but by last month, they had dropped to just $80 million.

The situation is even more challenging in Europe, where the EU has also launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations. As a major market for Chinese solar products, the European Union has significantly impacted export volumes. Wang Bohua predicts that this year’s total exports could reach around 13 billion yuan, marking a drop of over 40% compared to the previous year.

This decline has hit major Chinese solar companies hard. Companies like Suntech and LDK have seen their stock prices fall below $1, with some even reporting losses. The ripple effect has been felt across the industry, with many smaller and mid-sized manufacturers struggling to stay afloat.

According to Wang, over half of small and medium-sized PV module companies have halted production entirely, while 30% have cut back on output. Between 10% to 20% are operating at reduced capacity or barely managing to keep going. Many are now laying off workers as they try to weather the storm caused by international trade barriers.

The combined pressure from the U.S. and EU investigations has created a crisis for the entire Chinese solar sector. With global markets tightening and trade tensions rising, the industry faces a tough road ahead unless new strategies and policies are put in place to support domestic producers.