每经热评：取消光伏和电池出口退税 有利产业进化和财政资源优化

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced the cancellation of export tax rebates for photovoltaic and battery products, indicating a shift towards a mature industry that no longer requires policy support [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Changes - Starting from April 1, 2026, the export VAT rebate for photovoltaic products will be eliminated, and the rebate rate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6% until the end of 2026, after which it will also be canceled [1]. - Prior to this, the export rebate rate for certain products, including photovoltaic and battery products, was reduced from 13% to 9% on December 1, 2024 [1]. Group 2: Industry Competitiveness - The reduction and eventual cancellation of export tax rebates reflect the enhanced global competitiveness of China's photovoltaic and battery products, which account for approximately 80% of global solar cells and 70% of lithium batteries [1][2]. - The industry has reached a stage where the support from export tax rebates is limited due to established technological, scale, and cost advantages [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The cancellation of export tax rebates is expected to accelerate market clearing, leading to the elimination of smaller companies that rely heavily on these rebates for profitability, while larger firms with technological and cost advantages will strengthen their market positions [2]. - The photovoltaic industry has faced severe price declines, with prices dropping from $0.24 per watt at the beginning of 2023 to $0.09 per watt, resulting in a 33% year-on-year decrease in export value for 2024 [2]. Group 4: Fiscal Resource Optimization - The removal of export tax rebates for strong industries allows for better allocation of fiscal resources towards domestic demand and social welfare, addressing challenges such as insufficient effective demand and overcapacity in certain sectors [3]. - The adjustments in export tax rebates are part of a broader strategy to enhance macroeconomic regulation, ensuring that fiscal resources are directed towards areas that require more support, such as consumer subsidies and employment assistance [3].