China vs Philippines: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to China and Philippines β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both China and Philippines offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π China Asia | π Philippines Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | N/A (world's largest solar manufacturing base) | 0% (solar panels exempt under RA 9513 Renewable Energy Act) |
| Anti-Dumping | N/A | None |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 13% VAT (rebate on export: 13% for most solar products) | 0% for RE equipment under RA 9513 |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao | Manila, Batangas, Cebu |
| Typical Lead Time | Domestic: 5-10 days; Export: 2-7 days to port | 10-15 days sea freight from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | FOB Shanghai/Ningbo, EXW factory, CIF anywhere | CIF Manila, DDP |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar | JinkoSolar, Canadian Solar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 580-640W bifacial TOPCon (2026 standard), 700-730W (high-power utility) | 540-580W bifacial (C&I + utility), 430-500W (residential) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | FOB Shanghai TOPCon 580W: ~$0.082-0.092/W (Q1 2026). Spot market volatility high β lock with TT 30% deposit. | Landed CIF Manila TOPCon 560W: ~$0.10/W. Net metering + GEOP (Green Energy Option) drive residential & C&I. |
Regulatory Notes
π China
Home to 80%+ of global module supply. Export VAT rebate of 13% factored into FOB. Shanghai/Ningbo are biggest ports. Customs clearance varies by province. New "dual-side tape" packaging standard reduces shipping damage.
π Philippines
RA 9513 Renewable Energy Act: 0% VAT + 7-year income tax holiday + duty-free imports for RE projects. Net metering up to 100kW. 35% renewables target by 2030.
JUST SOLAR β China Delivery
JUST SOLAR is based in Shanghai β visit our factories, audit samples, or consolidate LCL shipments to any port.
JUST SOLAR β Philippines Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships CIF Manila weekly with RE Act documentation for duty-free clearance.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.