China proposes adding solar manufacturing technologies to its export-control list

China's Ministry of Commerce has proposed adding photovoltaic (solar) manufacturing technologies to the country's export-control list. According to The Hindu, the ministry made the proposal in a statement issued on Friday, 16 October 2026.

The Hindu quoted the statement as saying the export restrictions aim to "guard against the risks of technologies from running out of control or being improperly disseminated, while safeguarding normal international exchanges and cooperation in science and technology".

What the proposal reportedly covers

According to The Hindu and Reuters, the proposal covers 12 technologies used to make solar equipment. It is part of a broader revision of export controls that also covers artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

According to The Hindu:

• China would ban exports of some technologies. These include technologies used to make some thin wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, and large-scale fluidized-bed polysilicon production technologies.
• China would restrict, but not prohibit, exports of advanced solar cell manufacturing technologies, including TOPCon, HJT and XBC.
• Exporters must register certain overseas technology transfers until the export-control catalogue is formally updated.
• Public consultation on the proposal will close on 15 November.

Background

According to The Hindu, Reuters reported in April that Chinese officials held initial talks with manufacturers about potential curbs on advanced solar-panel manufacturing technologies. The Hindu also says Reuters has reported that Beijing has curbed exports of solar-manufacturing technology to India. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not describe how those curbs were implemented. They do not show any official confirmation of them.

What each side says

• China's Ministry of Commerce, according to The Hindu, said greater oversight is needed because solar technologies are increasingly used in sensitive areas such as aerospace and national defence.
• Unnamed analysts cited by The Hindu said China is seeking to preserve its dominance as India tries to build up domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China.

What is not known

The reports do not list all 12 technologies. They do not describe the AI and biotechnology parts of the revision. They do not say when the catalogue will be formally updated or when the bans and restrictions would take effect. They do not describe the scope of the interim registration requirement or how it will be enforced. They do not include reactions from the United States, India, foreign or Chinese solar manufacturers, or other governments.

About the sourcing

The Hindu's report mirrors a Reuters report, so the two accounts come from a single origin. The reports do not include the full text of the ministry's statement. It is known only through The Hindu's account.

Analysis

If adopted, the measures could affect how solar manufacturing know-how moves across borders. The analysts cited by The Hindu say this comes as India tries to expand domestic production. The practical impact will depend on the final catalogue, and the reports do not say when it will be issued. One scenario is that the final list closely follows the draft. Another is that it changes after the consultation closes on 15 November. The ministry presents the step as a security measure, while the analysts link it to industrial competition. The two readings are not mutually exclusive. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not provide evidence to settle which motive weighs more.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.