China proposes export curbs on 12 key solar technologies
- China's Ministry of Commerce proposed export controls on 12 solar manufacturing technologies.
- The measures include outright bans on thin silicon wafers and large-scale fluidised-bed polysilicon production.
- Advanced cell technologies like TOPCon and HJT face new export restrictions.
- Officials cite national security and the protection of China's green-energy supply chain as primary drivers.
- Public consultation on the proposed export-control catalogue closes on November 15.
China's Ministry of Commerce proposed adding 12 photovoltaic technologies to its export-control list on Friday, October 16, 2026. The agency cited national security concerns and the need to protect sensitive sectors like aerospace and defense as the primary reasons for this regulatory overhaul.
This move aims to reinforce Beijing’s dominance in the global photovoltaic industry and potentially affects overseas production plans. The new restrictions are part of a broader revision of China's technology export-control catalogue, which already includes artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
China’s high-tech manufacturing value grew 13.3% year on year during the first half of 2026. Tech company profits in China rose by over 54% during the same six-month period. Morgan Stanley estimated that China could invest up to $12 trillion through 2035 in new industrial capacity and factory upgrades.
Global market data indicates that 65% of the world’s electric vehicle batteries carry a "Made in China" stamp. Over half of all industrial robots installed on Earth were manufactured in China.
Guangdong province generated 19.34 trillion yuan in revenue last year, the highest among all Chinese provinces. The province currently hosts 10 industrial clusters, each worth more than 1 trillion yuan. Guangdong’s Department of Industry and Information Technology reported that over 2,000 embodied-intelligence robots entered industrial use this year for tasks like sorting and loading.
Officials in Guangdong have set targets to produce more than 80,000 humanoid robots annually by 2028 to strengthen the region as an industrial powerhouse. Shu Yang, product and presales technology director at KUKA China, said the company’s Shunde base has raised its core component localisation rate above 90 per cent. Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform, stated that these 2028 targets reflect a strategic shift toward building globally competitive factory hubs and integrating artificial intelligence. Peng Peng noted that the province is doubling down on these goals to shore up an economic growth rate that trailed the national average.
David Wong, a lecturer at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, said it is unclear whether domestic and overseas markets can absorb the additional factory output envisioned by 2028. Wong warned that heavy factory automation could displace workers, resulting in lower wages and fewer jobs that would constrain household spending.
Nasdaq trade halt continues as of 03:28 a.m. on October 18, 2026. The reason for this halt is currently not available.
Prohibitions on thin wafers and polysilicon production
China has proposed a ban on the export of technologies used to manufacture thin silicon wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, and large-scale fluidized-bed polysilicon production systems. Finwire.io, finance.yahoo.com, byteseu.com, and rallies.ai reported these measures on 18 October 2026.
Fluidized-bed production of polysilicon is less expensive and more energy-efficient than the dominant Siemens process. Daoinsights.com reported on 14 October 2026 that China currently operates high-tech and highly automated factories that produce complex products including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and advanced batteries.
Restrictions on advanced solar cell manufacturing
The proposal places restrictions on the export of advanced solar cell manufacturing technologies, specifically TOPCon, heterojunction technology, and XBC. Finwire.io, finance.yahoo.com, byteseu.com, and rallies.ai reported these restrictions on 18 October 2026.
Perovskite technology offers the potential for higher solar conversion efficiency, while tandem cells combine materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight.
National security and supply chain protection
The Ministry of Commerce stated that tighter oversight is necessary because photovoltaic technologies are increasingly used in sensitive sectors, including aerospace and national defence. These proposed controls are part of a wider regulatory overhaul covering 40 key technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biopharmaceuticals, to protect China's technological edge.
The restrictions are intended to protect China's dominant green-energy supply chain as countries like the U.S. and India increase their domestic manufacturing. The ministry said the measures were meant to prevent the uncontrolled spread or misuse of sensitive technologies while preserving legitimate international cooperation.
Guangdong officials aim to build over 1,000 top-performing smart factories and 1,000 green factories in the next two years. These green factories will be assessed for energy efficiency, resource use, and environmental performance.
Officials in Guangdong target an AI adoption rate exceeding 50 percent within two years among manufacturers with annual main business revenue of 20 million yuan (US$2.98 million). Shu Yang said models produced at German factories can now be made in China, while some models made in China cannot necessarily be produced in Germany.
Peng Peng stated that while exports remain a rare bright spot, fixed-asset investment and consumption remain sluggish in Guangdong.
Impact on international manufacturers and India
China has already tightened access to solar manufacturing technology for India, which is seeking to develop domestic production and reduce its reliance on China. These proposed controls could complicate overseas manufacturers’ efforts to expand domestic solar production.
The measures also increase uncertainty for international manufacturers seeking access to Chinese production expertise. Chinese officials previously discussed potential restrictions with manufacturers, raising concerns about expansion plans by U.S. companies, including Tesla (NASDAQ).
Registration requirements and public consultation
Exporters are required to register certain overseas technology transfers while the export-control catalogue undergoes formal revision. Public consultation regarding the proposed export controls will close on November 15.
Initial discussions held in April
Chinese officials conducted initial discussions with manufacturers regarding potential curbs on advanced solar-panel manufacturing technologies in April.
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