Core Viewpoint - The national carbon market in China, established in July 2021, has made significant progress but faces challenges such as insufficient market liquidity and pronounced tidal phenomena. The weak financial attributes of the market are identified as a key reason for this liquidity issue. The article suggests measures to enhance market liquidity and price discovery, including the introduction of financial institutions and carbon financial derivatives, drawing lessons from the EU carbon market experience [1][4][10]. Group 1: National Carbon Market Development - China has built the largest carbon market globally, covering approximately 4.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions from 2,162 key emission units in the power generation sector [3][4]. - The first administrative regulation in the carbon trading sector, the "Interim Regulations on Carbon Emission Trading," will take effect in May 2024, establishing the legal attributes and trading rules for carbon emissions [4]. - By March 2025, the national carbon market will include steel, cement, and aluminum industries, increasing the number of key emission units to about 3,700 and covering over 8 billion tons of CO2 emissions, accounting for more than 60% of China's total emissions [4]. Group 2: Market Liquidity Issues - The national carbon market's trading volume in 2023 was 2.12 million tons, with a turnover rate of approximately 3%, significantly lower than the EU carbon market's 93 billion tons and 417% turnover rate [4][5]. - The market exhibits tidal phenomena, with trading volumes concentrated in the fourth quarter, particularly near compliance deadlines, leading to low activity during non-compliance periods [4][8]. - The lack of financial attributes and the limited participation of financial institutions contribute to the market's low liquidity and price discovery issues [8][9]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Establish a collaborative regulatory mechanism between environmental and financial authorities to enhance the financial attributes of the carbon market, which could improve liquidity and price discovery [15]. - Gradually introduce financial institutions into the carbon market, starting with a few qualified entities to provide market-making services, followed by expanding the range of eligible investors as the market matures [16]. - Accelerate the development of standardized carbon financial derivatives, such as carbon futures, to improve market liquidity and reduce price volatility [17].
适当增强碳市场金融属性 进一步提升市场流动性
Xin Hua Cai Jing·2026-02-09 08:12