Source: China Association of Lighting Industry (CALI) | Official Trade Data Analysis

1. China's Lighting Exports Reached ~$37.7 Billion in Q1–Q3 2026

According to the latest import and export data released by the General Administration of Customs, China's total export value of lighting products from January to September 2026 reached approximately US$37.7 billion, accounting for 1.7% of the nation's total mechanical and electrical product exports.

China's Lighting Product Exports: January-September 2026 (Monthly)

On a monthly basis, the first quarter experienced significant volatility due to the timing of the Spring Festival holiday and adjustments in overseas demand patterns. In the second quarter, monthly export contractions steadily narrowed, with June export figures essentially recovering to the level of the same period last year. Entering the third quarter, monthly export values achieved sustained year-on-year growth, showing a progressively accelerating trend. In September alone, export value reached approximately US$4.6 billion, representing a robust year-on-year surge of 26%.

(Note: This report provides a brief overview of the lighting industry's export performance in the first three quarters of 2026. A detailed in-depth analysis will be published in the 2026 edition of 'China Lighting', the official journal of the China Association of Lighting Industry.)

Chart 1 Summary: Monthly Export Performance of China's Lighting Products (Q1–Q3 2026)

2. Exports of Light Sources & Luminaires Both Declined 2% YoY

From January to September, total exports of electric light source products stood at approximately US$4.1 billion, representing a 2% year-on-year decline. Luminaire products generated US$27.9 billion in export value, also down 2% year-on-year. Specifically, fixed luminaires and portable luminaires experienced notable export value drops of 12% and 17% YoY, respectively.

In terms of physical export volumes, China exported approximately 21.4 billion units of electric light sources, up 18% year-on-year. Export volumes for LED bulbs, LED tubes, and LED modules expanded by 2%, 5%, and 49% YoY, respectively. Within luminaires, export volumes of fixed LED luminaires, portable LED luminaires, and non-photovoltaic LED lighting devices rose by 10%, 8%, and 5% YoY.

Regarding export unit prices, several product lines saw sequential growth of over 11% in Q3 compared to Q1 2026, including LED bulbs, LED Christmas tree light strings, conventional Christmas tree light strings, and photovoltaic LED lighting devices.

Notably, niche categories such as PV-powered LED lighting devices and LED Christmas tree light strings achieved robust momentum, delivering triple growth across export value, export volume, and average unit price.

Table 1: China's Major Lighting Product Exports in Q1–Q3 2026 (Full Product Breakdown)

3. Exports to Africa Jumped 11% YoY; Exports to the U.S. Down 5%

Exports to Africa: In the first three quarters, China's lighting exports to Africa totaled approximately US$2.8 billion, up 11% year-on-year. Africa accounted for roughly 8% of China's overall lighting export market, gaining 1 percentage point compared to the same period last year. Target markets including Egypt, Tanzania, Morocco, and Algeria achieved robust year-on-year growth exceeding 10%.

China's Lighting Exports to Top 10 African Markets, Jan-Sep 2026 (By Export Value)

Chart 2 Summary: Top 10 African Destinations for Chinese Lighting Exports (Q1–Q3 2026)

Exports to Europe: Lighting export value to Europe reached approximately US$10.1 billion, representing a slight year-on-year increase of 1%. Core European markets including Germany, Russia, France, Poland, Spain, and Sweden maintained sustained growth, with year-on-year gains all surpassing 4%.

Chart 3 Summary: Top 10 European Destinations for Chinese Lighting Exports (Q1–Q3 2026)

Exports to the United States: From January to September, cumulative lighting exports to the U.S. totaled approximately US$7.2 billion, down 5% YoY—though narrowing by 4 percentage points compared to the first 8 months. In September alone, exports to the U.S. rallied dramatically to ~$1.0 billion, posting an impressive 35% YoY expansion.

Across the first three quarters, China's electric light source exports to the U.S. reached ~$0.9 billion, edging up 3% YoY (primarily driven by price increases in legacy light sources like incandescent and fluorescent lamps). Meanwhile, luminaire exports to the U.S. totaled ~$5.1 billion, dropping about 8% YoY.

Chart 4 Summary: Monthly China Lighting Exports to the U.S. in 2026

4. Exports from Guangdong & Zhejiang Up 7% and 11% YoY

In the first three quarters, Guangdong Province recorded US$14.2 billion in lighting exports, representing a 7% year-on-year growth. Accounting for 38% of China's total lighting export volume, Guangdong firmly maintained its ranking as the nation's top exporting province.

Zhejiang Province followed closely in second place with US$10.6 billion in export value, up 11% YoY and making up 28% of the national total. Regions including Jiangsu and Shanghai posted export growth rates above 9%. Conversely, regions such as Xinjiang and Shandong registered export declines of over 4% YoY.

Chart 5 Summary: Regional Breakdown of China's Major Export Hubs (Q1–Q3 2025 vs. Q1–Q3 2026)

5. Strategic Industry Insights & LEAD OPTO Market Positioning

As global trade dynamics shift and off-grid energy needs accelerate across emerging economies, commercial outdoor lighting manufacturers face both structural challenges and strategic opportunities. Against the backdrop of robust export growth in African (+11% YoY) and regional European markets, solar-powered and LED integrated lighting systems have solidified their status as core growth drivers for China's lighting industry.

Positioned at the forefront of this industrial transformation, LEAD OPTO (https://www.lead-lighting.com/) leverages advanced optical engineering, high-efficiency photovoltaic integration, and intelligent battery management systems (BMS) to deliver heavy-duty commercial solar street lights, floodlights, and architectural lighting solutions. By focusing on high-durability off-grid performance—especially for European market,, Southeast Asian infrastructure projects, and African rural electrification—LEAD OPTO continuously bridges standard manufacturing with tailored OEM/ODM engineering excellence. Moving forward, LEAD OPTO remains committed to accelerating global zero-carbon transition while setting benchmark quality standards for global municipal and commercial procurement buyers.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does LEAD OPTO ensure continuous lighting performance during consecutive rainy or overcast days?

A1: LEAD OPTO solar street lights integrate high-capacity LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery packs paired with intelligent MPPT/PWM energy controllers and adaptive power-saving algorithms. Even under extended period of rain or limited sunlight (3 to 7 consecutive days), the system automatically regulates LED output brightness to maintain uninterrupted illumination throughout the night.

Q2: What customized OEM/ODM services does LEAD OPTO provide for international municipal and commercial projects?

A2: LEAD OPTO offers end-to-end technical customization, including DIALux optical simulation reports, customized color temperature (CCT) and beam angle adjustments, modular solar panel sizing, intelligent PIR/microwave motion sensors, and satisfy rigorous municipal tender standards globally.

Q3: How do LEAD OPTO commercial solar products withstand harsh environmental conditions like desert heat or coastal humidity?

A3: All LEAD OPTO outdoor luminaires feature rugged die-cast aluminum housings with IP65 ingress protection ratings and IK08/IK10 impact resistance. Treated with anti-corrosion fluorocarbon powder coatings and optimized for thermal dissipation (-20°C to +65°C operating range), our fixtures resist high salinity, intense UV radiation, and extreme desert heat environments.