Chinese exporters of batteries, solar power systems, electric vehicles, and other clean energy components achieved record sales last month, as the outbreak of war with Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil and gas supplies from the Middle East.
Total sales of Chinese clean energy parts and products reached $26 billion in March, according to data compiled by Ember, the highest monthly figure ever recorded in the clean technology sector by the world’s largest manufacturer of batteries, electric vehicles, and solar panels.
Total monthly revenue was up 30% compared to February and 52% compared to the same month in 2025, as the massive shock of bombing across the Middle East and the closure of key shipping lanes led to a surge in demand for clean energy products worldwide.
Battery boom drives growth
Battery systems were China’s top-selling product within the clean energy component category last month, with sales exceeding $10 billion.
In comparison, average monthly battery export revenues have reached approximately $7 billion since the beginning of 2025, indicating a sharp acceleration in global demand for battery systems used by utilities for energy storage and in electric vehicles.
Europe topped the list of countries importing Chinese batteries, accounting for 43% of total imports, equivalent to $4.3 billion, followed by Asia with 29% of exports.
By country, Germany was the largest market for Chinese batteries in March ($1.26 billion), followed by the United States ($823 million), the Netherlands ($635 million), Vietnam ($597 million), and Australia ($595 million).
Germany also recorded the largest monthly increase in battery imports compared to February, with a $286 million increase in import purchases in March.
Vietnam and Oman also recorded monthly increases exceeding $200 million last month. Solar Energy Exports Surge
Chinese solar energy systems saw their second-largest jump in export revenue in March, rising from $2.1 billion in February to $4.8 billion, the highest monthly total since May 2023 and nearly double the monthly average since 2025. Asia was the top destination, accounting for 43% of the total, or $2 billion, followed by Europe at 27%, or $1.3 billion.
The Netherlands led the list of countries importing solar panels in March, with purchases totaling $400 million, an increase of nearly $200 million from the previous month, compared to a monthly average of approximately $264 million since the beginning of 2025. Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Pakistan rounded out the top five importers of Chinese solar energy systems last month.
Fluctuations in Electric Vehicle Exports
China’s electric vehicle exports experienced sharp fluctuations throughout 2026, as changes in subsidy programs in several countries impacted consumer demand even before the Middle East conflict disrupted global trade and consumer confidence.
Nevertheless, total electric vehicle exports in the first three months of 2026 reached just over US$21 billion, a record high for that period, compared to only US$12 billion during the same period in 2025. Europe was the largest destination for Chinese electric vehicles in March, accounting for 45% of total sales, followed by Asia at 25%.
Belgium topped the list of exporting countries for electric vehicles, followed by Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
A notable feature of the electric vehicle export flows in March was the sharp decline in sales to the Middle East, where airstrikes brought the movement of goods to a near standstill. In fact, the Middle East accounted for only 4% of China’s electric vehicle exports in March, compared to an 11% share in 2025.
(Reuters)
