North China's Shanxi province exported solar cells worth 560 million yuan ($86.33 million) in the first quarter of the current year, realizing a year-on-year increase of 274.9 percent, according to provincial customs department Taiyuan Customs on April 25.

These solar cells were exported to more than 20 countries and regions. Among them, exports to India and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations totaled 280 million yuan and 180 million yuan, up 372.3 percent 467.3 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the construction of photovoltaic projects was hindered but not halted, and many projects were postponed until the end of 2020.

As countries around the world have shown great enthusiasm about the construction of solar power plants, the overseas demand for solar cells rose rapidly in the first quarter.

Shipping solar cells from Shanxi involves high-cost freight and long transit times. To address this, Taiyuan Customs promoted the integration of regional customs clearance, paperless customs clearance operations, shortened customs clearance time and simplified certification. 

It recommended that qualified solar cell manufacturers apply for the Authorized Economic Operator certification to facilitate customs clearance. 

In addition, Taiyuan Customs and Shanxi's commerce departments conducted training sessions for solar energy companies. They also publicized the latest policies on customs protection of intellectual property rights and preferential measures of the RCEP to help companies maintain their rights and enjoy preferential tariff policies during import and export.