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

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

At the International Solar Energy Symposium 2012, Wang Bohua, Secretary General of the China Photovoltaic Industry Alliance, revealed that China’s photovoltaic product exports to the United States have plummeted by 80% since the U.S. initiated anti-dumping investigations. In January of this year, the value of these exports was $387 million, but by the end of last month, it had dropped to just $80 million.

The situation is even more challenging in the European market, where the EU has also launched its own anti-dumping investigation. As a result, the outlook for China’s photovoltaic exports remains grim. The EU and European countries have historically been major buyers of Chinese solar products. Wang Bohua estimates that total exports this year may reach about 13 billion yuan, marking a drop of over 40% compared to the previous year.

This decline has already hit major domestic players like Suntech and LDK, with some companies reporting losses and stock prices falling below $1. Many smaller and mid-sized manufacturers are struggling as well—over half have ceased operations, 30% have reduced output, and 10% to 20% are working at a fraction of capacity, while layoffs are becoming increasingly common.

According to Wang, the combined pressure from U.S. and EU anti-dumping measures has severely disrupted the entire solar industry. In addition to the U.S. and EU, India is also considering similar actions. With global markets tightening and trade barriers rising, the future of China’s solar sector looks uncertain, and many companies are now scrambling to adapt or face closure.