Global Clean Investment Falls 17% as China Pullback Takes Its Toll

Investment in clean technologies experienced a 17% decline in the first half of the year, according to a Rhodium Group report. The decline was primarily driven by China, which saw a shift from subsidies to a market-based approach, causing significant reductions in investments related to wind, solar power, and electric vehicles. China, being the leading investor in clean tech globally, saw its share of clean tech investment drop from 52% at the end of 2025 to 39% by June 2025.

The decision to phase out consumer EV purchase-tax exemptions in January 2026 also contributed to a sharp slump in alternative energy and electric transport investment, totaling $133 billion. In contrast, investment in clean tech in India and Europe increased during this period. The report suggests that these developments are taking place as governments reassess clean technology support, trade policies, and supply chain strategies, particularly in light of increasingly tight hydrocarbon supply and rising energy costs.