万亿退税转向，传递一个清晰的信号

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment of export tax rebate policies for photovoltaic and battery products signifies a shift in China's fiscal strategy, moving from "subsidizing production" to "empowering residents" as a fundamental narrative for economic growth [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Adjustments - As of April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration will cancel the VAT export tax rebate for photovoltaic products and reduce the battery export tax rebate from 9% to 6%, eventually eliminating it by January 1, 2027 [1]. - The policy affects 249 items in the photovoltaic sector and 22 items in the battery sector, marking a significant change following the previous reduction from 13% to 9% in 2024 [1]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The adjustment is part of a broader strategy to restructure the sources of economic growth, particularly in the context of the "14th Five-Year Plan," emphasizing the need to enhance domestic demand [2][4]. - The photovoltaic industry faces intense competition, leading to a "volume increase, price decrease" scenario, which has resulted in profit losses for domestic companies and increased risks of international trade disputes [2][4]. Group 3: Financial Sustainability - The reduction or cancellation of export tax rebates is expected to help stabilize foreign market prices and reduce trade friction risks, while also alleviating the fiscal burden on the government [4]. - In 2025, China's trade surplus reached a record high of $1.07 trillion, with export tax rebates amounting to 1.9 trillion yuan, highlighting the unsustainability of the current model [4]. Group 4: Strategic Shift - The policy aims to guide industries like photovoltaic and lithium batteries from relying on price subsidies to competing based on technology, brand, and service quality, which could lead to the elimination of outdated production capacities [4][5]. - The saved fiscal resources from tax rebate adjustments are intended to be redirected towards enhancing consumer spending and investment, particularly in social security measures for low-income groups [5][6]. Group 5: Market Opportunities - The adjustment of export tax rebates is seen as a catalyst for a new economic narrative, shifting the focus from production subsidies to empowering residents and fostering innovation to stimulate domestic demand [6][7]. - Companies in the photovoltaic sector may experience price increases for solar panels, potentially reshaping global green energy installation cost curves, with market expectations favoring leading firms like JinkoSolar and LONGi Green Energy [7].