East Asia Solar Panel

What is the Southeast Asia Solar supply chain map?

This edition of the Southeast Asia Solar Supply Chain Map provides a detailed snapshot of current realities and future ambitions, as the region navigates complex trade, investment, and production challenges.

Why is Southeast Asia a top exporter of solar power equipment?

In little over a decade, Southeast Asia has become one of the world’s top exporters of solar power equipment – a success driven significantly by the relocation of Chinese manufacturers to the region. But now, the sector faces considerable challenges as US tariffs cut off their main export market, intensifying pressure on a previously booming trade.

Where do Southeast Asia's Solar Exports come from?

Southeast Asia’s solar exports have primarily targeted the US, with more than 80% of the equipment it imported in the first half of 2024 sourced from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, according to BloombergNEF. But this successful run is now under threat.

Why are Chinese solar companies moving to Southeast Asia?

Ever since finding themselves in the crosshairs of US import tariffs in 2012, Chinese solar manufacturers began shifting their production to Southeast Asia to circumvent trade barriers. More recently, overcapacity and brutal price wars in China’s domestic market have accelerated these international relocations.