光伏锂电出口退税新政出台 一季度产能释放“淡季不淡”

Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration to cancel export VAT rebates for photovoltaic and battery products is seen as a significant measure in the "anti-involution" actions within the new energy sectors, aimed at addressing the industry's profitability issues and promoting higher value-added products [5][6][8]. Industry Overview - The new energy photovoltaic and lithium battery industries have been facing challenges due to mismatched supply and demand and intense price competition, leading to weak profitability across the sector [3]. - Since 2025, there have been ongoing calls within the lithium battery sector to resist vicious competition, control capacity growth, and enhance technological innovation [3]. Policy Changes - Starting from April 1, 2026, the export VAT rebate for photovoltaic products will be canceled, and the rebate rate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6% until the end of 2026, after which it will be completely eliminated [1][5]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other regulatory bodies have proposed 20 measures to regulate industry competition, including tightening approvals for low-capacity projects and establishing a cost-based price monitoring mechanism [4]. Market Reactions - Following the announcement, the stock performance of key players in the lithium battery sector showed significant volatility, with leading companies like CATL experiencing declines, while some photovoltaic companies saw substantial gains [1]. - The cancellation of export VAT rebates is expected to lead to an increase in the cost and price of Chinese photovoltaic components in overseas markets, which may help clear out low-end production capacity [8]. Price Trends - The prices of lithium carbonate futures have surged to over 160,000 yuan per ton, compared to 60,000 yuan per ton in June 2025, indicating a significant recovery in the battery materials market [6]. - The demand for upstream materials remains strong, with companies reporting full production capacity and no immediate adjustments in order volumes from downstream clients [7]. Future Outlook - The upcoming policy changes are anticipated to drive a surge in orders for photovoltaic components before the new VAT regulations take effect, although this demand may be temporary [7]. - Long-term, the cancellation of export VAT rebates is expected to facilitate industry consolidation and price normalization, benefiting the overall market structure [8].