Does trade protectionism impede solar PV trade between China and EU?

On the other hand, solar PV trade between China and the EU is impeded by trade barriers. According to the UN Comtrade database, China’s PV products account for 45.0%, 33.3%, and 25.0% of the EU market in 2011, 2013, and 2015 respectively, verifying the effect of trade protectionism.

Why is the global solar PV product trade important?

The global solar PV product trade plays an important role in facilitating PV product production and utilization and in mitigating climate change. Traded solar cells and modules in 2017 could generate 2325.25 TWh of electricity over their 30-year lifetimes.

Why is international trade important for PV cells?

Through the interaction of spatial patterns of PV cells international trade flow, the associations among regions have been strengthened and the development opportunities of PV industry have been expanded. This will also intensify the level of competition.

Do tariff barriers affect global PV product trade?

The global trade of solar photovoltaic (PV) products substantially contributes to increases in solar power generation and carbon emissions reductions. This paper depicts global PV product trade patterns, explores emissions reduction potential, and evaluates the impeding effect of tariff barriers on global PV product trade and emissions reductions.

How does China affect solar PV exports to the EU?

Fig. 3 shows that the export from China to the EU reached the summit in 2010, while after 2011, the figure plummeted. On the one hand, the reduction of subsidy in some EU countries dampened PV market demand. On the other hand, solar PV trade between China and the EU is impeded by trade barriers.

How are trade barriers affecting solar power production?

It is clear that ongoing trade barriers in BAU have restrained the PV product trade and reduced global solar power generation potential, and higher trade barriers (TBS1 and TBS2) will inevitably worsen the loss.