China’s power exports to Asean surge 40% in first half of 2026 amid Hormuz tensions

On Jul 14, 2026

China’s power exports to Asean countries surged more than 40 per cent in the first half of the year, customs data showed, helping to buffer the region against volatility in energy markets triggered by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

The increase also highlighted China’s growing role as a regional energy supplier at a time when geopolitical tensions have renewed concerns over energy security.

China exported 2.39 billion kilowatt-hours of power to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries in the first half of the year, up 42.9 per cent from a year earlier, which “supported the region’s production and daily life”, Lu Daliang, spokesman for the General Administration of Customs, told a press conference on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, customs data showed that China’s exports to Asean remained robust in June, with shipments rising 34.6 per cent year on year.

Lu said closer industrial and supply-chain integration between China and Asean had driven growth in bilateral intermediate goods trade – rising 24.5 per cent in the first half to 2.86 trillion yuan – which includes electricity.

A view of Yangon city, Myanmar, on March 12. Photo: EPA

The figures came as tensions in the Middle East heightened concerns over energy security across Southeast Asia, with China’s expanding power exports adding another source of energy supply for neighbouring countries.

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