BUSINESS

Mounting Headwinds Loom Over Chinese Energy Storage Export Boom

Published: Oct. 29, 2026 12:49 p.m. GMT+8

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An overseas cooperation project of Trina Storage. Photo: Trina Storage

Chinese energy storage companies are riding a global boom in demand for renewable power backup, but falling prices, tighter trade barriers and new compliance rules threaten growth.

In the first half of 2026, Chinese companies secured overseas orders for 298 gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity, an 83% increase from a year earlier, with more than 70 Chinese suppliers now exporting to over 60 countries and regions, according to the China Energy Storage Alliance.

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Chinese energy storage firms' overseas orders hit 298 GWh in H1 2026, up 83% year-on-year; 2025 orders rose 94% to 353 GWh.
Global turnkey prices fell 31% to $117/kWh in 2025; Chinese domestic price dropped to $73/kWh.
US tariffs and IRA restrictions, plus EU battery regulations, threaten profitability and market access.

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Who’s Who

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What Happened When

Jan. 1, 2027：: China plans to eliminate the export tax rebate for energy storage and power batteries entirely.

Between 2027 and 2028：: The EU Battery Regulation's battery passport and corporate due diligence rules are set to take effect.

By 2030：: Global cumulative installed energy storage capacity is expected to reach about 900 gigawatts; the EU aims to hit 200 gigawatts by 2030, up from its current 55 gigawatts.

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