Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-01-11 11:11Core Viewpoint - The photovoltaic industry is undergoing significant changes in 2026 due to the cancellation of export VAT rebates and the halting of industry self-regulation, leading to a historical turning point for the sector [1][2]. Policy Changes - The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced the cancellation of export VAT rebates for photovoltaic products starting April 1, 2026, marking the transition to a "no rebate subsidy" phase [2]. - The export VAT rebate policy for the photovoltaic industry began in October 2013, with rates gradually decreasing over the past two years, culminating in a drop from 13% to 9% in December 2024 [2]. Market Reactions - The market reacted sharply to these policy changes, with the price of polysilicon futures dropping significantly, indicating a loss of confidence among investors [3][8]. - On January 8 and 9, polysilicon futures contracts fell by 9% and 8%, respectively, with related stocks also experiencing substantial declines [3][8]. Industry Self-Regulation - The recent discussions between the State Administration for Market Regulation and major companies in the photovoltaic sector signal a shift away from previous self-regulatory practices, which had aimed to stabilize prices [3][4]. - Companies are now prohibited from coordinating on production capacity, sales prices, and other market behaviors, which could lead to increased volatility in pricing [3][4]. Price Dynamics - Despite rising prices for upstream materials like polysilicon and silicon wafers, downstream component prices have not followed suit, leading to squeezed margins for developers [5][6]. - The average transaction price for n-type polysilicon rose to 59,200 yuan/ton, a 9.83% increase week-on-week, while the average price for N-type G10L monocrystalline silicon wafers increased by 9.17% [5]. Demand Outlook - The first quarter is traditionally a slow season for the photovoltaic industry, with both domestic and international demand showing signs of weakness [7]. - The overall market demand has been declining, with new orders becoming less visible, further complicating the pricing landscape [7]. Market Valuation - The shift in policy is prompting a reevaluation of the photovoltaic sector's value in the capital markets, with significant sell-offs observed in early January [8]. - From January 8 to 9, the photovoltaic sector saw a drop of 10.2% in polysilicon futures, with major companies like Tongwei Co. and Daqo New Energy experiencing notable declines in stock prices [8].