Less Than a Month Left —— Final Procurement Window for Chinese PV Modules

  On January 8, 2026, China's Ministry of Finance officially announced the cancellation of VAT rebates for solar module exports, while simultaneously reducing the VAT rebate rate for lithium batteries. Overseas buyers should not miss this opportunity!

Key Policy Highlights:

1. Photovoltaic Modules export VAT rebate: Reduced from 9% to 0%,

2. Lithium Batteries export VAT rebate: Reduced from 9% to 6%.

  From a policy perspective, in the photovoltaic sector, the export VAT rebate rate for 249 products across the entire industry chain, including silicon wafers and modules, has been directly reduced from 9% to 0%, without any transition period. The policy applies based on the export date indicated on the customs declaration; goods leaving the country on or after April 1st will not enjoy the original rebate rate. For the lithium battery sector, a transitional arrangement has been set: from April 1st to December 31st, 2026, the rebate rate will be reduced from 9% to 6%, and from January 1st, 2027, the rebate will be completely eliminated, affecting 22 mainstream categories including lithium-ion batteries. This provides companies with short-term adjustment space, but a long-term cost increase is inevitable.

  This means that: To maintain current profit margins, module manufacturers are expected to raise their export prices by approximately 9%, with an additional 3% increase for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Although the new policy will take effect on April 1st, production planning, customs clearance, and transportation all require advance arrangements—meaning the actual procurement window is less than a month.

Impact on overseas buyers:

1. Limited opportunities to lock in current prices.

2. Procurement timing and coordination with suppliers will become increasingly important.

3. Decision-making delays will almost inevitably lead to increased costs.

  This is a critical time for buyers with ongoing or upcoming procurement plans to pay close attention. We are assisting our global partners in evaluating current procurement options, securing feasible orders, and developing supply strategies under the new policy.