LONGLI Green Energy Technology Co., the world’s largest solar manufacturer, reported higher first-half profits supported by stronger production and a growing market outside its domestic base in China.

Overseas operations accounted for almost half of Longi’s revenue, up from 38 percent in the same period a year earlier, with new markets emerging in India, Brazil and Chile to add to continued strong demand from regions including Europe, the U.S., and Australia, the Xi’an-based manufacturer said Monday in a statement.

Net income rose 21 percent to 4.99 billion yuan (US$771 million) in the first six months, while solar module production jumped 149 percent on a year ago to 19.93 gigawatts, the company said.

“Although the company has taken measures including deploying overseas production capacity to avoid relevant trade barriers, there are still uncertainties and risks brought by the rigorous international trade barriers and policies,” Longi said.

Longi’s gross profit margin fell slightly to about 23 percent, the company said. Producers have grappled with higher costs of polysilicon and passed on some of those costs. Panel prices rose as much as 20 percent earlier in the year due to the spike in raw materials, though have since eased.

Shortages of raw materials including polysilicon contributed to the company not producing at full capacity in the first half, even as it lifted output, the statement said. (SD-Agencies)