China exported 23.92 GW of photovoltaic modules in September 2026, representing a 44.2% month-on-month increase, according to Shanghai Metals Market data. The rebound was largely driven by Middle East shipments, with combined purchases from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey exceeding 3.97 GW. Despite the monthly gain, total Chinese exports for the first nine months fell 9.6% year-on-year to 184.66 GW.
Law firm Clyde & Co issued legal analysis on employer health, safety, and environment (HSE) obligations across the Gulf following regional maritime tensions. Citing reports of over 20,000 seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, the firm warned employers of potential labor, civil, and criminal liabilities under UAE and Saudi laws.
US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. Lawmakers have raised concerns regarding potential technology diversion to China and alleged conflicts of interest. Deep commercial integration and existing export terms, however, complicate immediate attempts to restrict chip flows to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi national shipping carrier Bahri posted a net profit of SR5.09 billion ($1.36 billion) for the third quarter of 2026, up 890.7% year on year. The performance was driven primarily by oil transport operations as tanker rates on the route from the Middle East Gulf to China hit an all-time high. Revenue for the period increased by 503.7% to SR14.83 billion.
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