Key insights
- China has proposed export restrictions on 12 key solar manufacturing technologies, including those for thin silicon wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, and polysilicon production systems. Citing national security, the move aims to maintain Beijing's dominance in the global photovoltaic industry and could impact overseas production plans, particularly for companies like Tesla looking to expand in the U.S. and for India seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers.
Investing.com -- China has proposed export restrictions on 12 solar manufacturing technologies, citing national security concerns, in a move that could affect overseas production plans and reinforce Beijing’s dominance in the global photovoltaic industry.
China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the proposal on Friday as part of a broader revision of its technology export-control catalogue, covering artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The ministry said tighter oversight was necessary because photovoltaic technologies are increasingly used in sensitive sectors, including aerospace and national defence.
Under the proposed measures, China would prohibit exports of certain technologies used to manufacture thin silicon wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, alongside large-scale fluidised-bed polysilicon production systems.
Perovskite technology offers the potential for higher solar conversion efficiency, while tandem cells combine materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight.
Fluidised-bed polysilicon production is also more energy-efficient and less expensive than the conventional Siemens process.
Beijing would separately restrict, rather than prohibit, exports of advanced solar cell manufacturing technologies, including TOPCon, heterojunction technology (HJT) and XBC.
The proposed controls could complicate overseas manufacturers’ efforts to expand domestic solar production.
Chinese officials previously discussed potential restrictions with manufacturers, raising concerns about expansion plans by U.S. companies, including Tesla (NASDAQ).
China has also tightened access to solar manufacturing technology for India, which is seeking to develop domestic production and reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers.
The proposal reflects Beijing’s efforts to maintain oversight of strategically important technologies while protecting its position in the global solar supply chain.
The commerce ministry said the measures were intended to prevent the uncontrolled spread or misuse of sensitive technologies while preserving legitimate international cooperation.
Exporters must register certain overseas technology transfers pending the formal revision of the export-control catalogue.
Public consultation on the proposal will close on November 15.
If implemented, the restrictions could increase uncertainty for international solar manufacturers seeking access to Chinese production expertise.
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