- The BESS boom strengthens China’s role as the world’s leading supplier of grid-scale storage solutions.
- This also expands China’s export reach into new and fast-growing markets across all regions.
China’s exports of batteries and battery energy storage systems (BESS) have surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, rising by an impressive 24% in the first nine months compared with the same period in the previous year. The figures highlight a rapid acceleration in global demand for advanced storage solutions. They also confirm China’s dominant position in the battery manufacturing landscape.
Batteries have remained China’s most profitable clean energy technology export since mid-2022. They generated an estimated USD 60 billion in revenue in the first three quarters of 2025, according to data from energy research organisation Ember. This compares with just under USD 48 billion during the same period in 2024. It also exceeds the country’s earnings from electric vehicles, renewable energy components, grid infrastructure and cooling systems. Consequently, batteries now account for 37% of China’s total clean energy export income.
China’s leadership in global battery production has enabled it to capture the expanding worldwide appetite for storage technologies used in both electric vehicles and modern power grids. Moreover, demand is expected to rise even further as more nations invest in energy transition strategies.
Currently, twenty-three countries have each purchased more than USD 500 million worth of Chinese-made batteries in 2025. This reflects both the scale of China’s manufacturing capacity and the commercial appeal of its battery technologies. Germany is the largest buyer so far, having recorded USD 10.5 billion in purchases by the end of September. Major German car manufacturers such as BMW and Volkswagen rely heavily on Chinese battery imports. Likewise, grid operators and utilities continue to expand their national BESS networks.
The United States ranks as the second-largest buyer, having imported USD 9.3 billion worth of Chinese batteries so far this year. Vietnam follows with USD 3.6 billion. Germany has also recorded the sharpest annual increase in battery imports, rising by USD 2.5 billion compared with 2024. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Australia, and India have each increased their imports by more than USD 1 billion in 2025.
At the regional level, Europe is the dominant destination, accounting for 42% of China’s battery exports. Asia follows with 26%, and North America accounts for 17%. Nevertheless, the Middle East and Latin America are expanding at the fastest rate, growing by 107% and 99%, respectively. Saudi Arabia’s imports have almost quadrupled, while Chile has recorded a remarkable 320% rise.
Several emerging markets, including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Mexico, and the Philippines, have already invested over USD 200 million in Chinese batteries this year. Their national ambitions for solar energy and electric mobility continue to fuel demand. Other high-growth markets, such as Greece, Egypt, Italy, Indonesia and Cambodia, have all surpassed USD 100 million in imports.
Although the United States has seen a rare decline, primarily due to trade tensions and efforts to develop its own battery sector, China’s global reach remains unmatched. In total, 114 countries have bought at least USD 10 million worth of Chinese batteries in 2025. This widespread demand ensures that China will remain the world’s leading supplier of EV and BESS batteries for the foreseeable future.