Chinese photovoltaic panel exports declined 3 percent in June from May to about 21.7 gigawatt, also down 2 percent year-on-year, per an Info Link Consulting report released Aug. 1. The drop was driven by shrinking Asia-Pacific demand, where exports plunged 19 percent, while Europe shipments fell 2 percent.

Exports to the Middle East jumped 12 percent and to the Americas and Africa grew around 5 percent. The top five destinations — the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Greece — accounted for about 34 percent of June exports.

In the first half, China exported around 127.3 GW, down 3 percent year-on-year, with Europe at 40 percent of volume. Saturated traditional markets are pushing makers into smaller Southeast Asian and African countries, which showed strong growth.

For Q3, Info Link Consulting cites tax rebate policy adjustments, slight module price increases from policy changes, and overseas inventory depletion as factors that could prompt advanced procurement.