Decline in Iraq's Imports of Chinese Solar Panels in August

The list of the top 10 Arab countries importing Chinese solar panels saw Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt maintaining their leading positions in August, amid a noticeable decline in most countries in the region. The total capacity of imports by the top 10 Arab countries from Chinese solar panels reached about 1.56 gigawatts in August 2026, down from 3.15 gigawatts in the same month of 2025, marking a year-on-year decrease exceeding 50%. This decline was mainly due to a significant drop in Gulf countries and Iraq, caused by ongoing navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz, the main artery for the region. Conversely, Oman and Sudan recorded growth in their imports, while Lebanon and Yemen maintained stable import levels. Saudi Arabia topped the list with imports of 610 megawatts, despite a 49% decrease compared to August 2025 when it recorded 1.19 gigawatts. The UAE ranked second with imports of 250 megawatts, down by 74% from the previous year. Egypt came third with imports reaching 150 megawatts, a 58% decrease compared to August 2025. Jordan was fourth with imports of 110 megawatts, down 15% from the previous year. Lebanon maintained stability with imports of 100 megawatts in August 2026, the same capacity as the corresponding month last year. Oman recorded an 80% increase in imports, reaching 90 megawatts compared to 50 megawatts in August 2025. Yemen remained stable at 80 megawatts. Sudan saw a 40% increase in imports, reaching 70 megawatts. Iraq dropped to ninth place with imports declining by 54% to 60 megawatts in August 2026, compared to 130 megawatts in the same month of 2025. Morocco ranked last with imports of 40 megawatts, down 56% from August 2025.