BEIJING -- Exports of Chinese photovoltaic (PV) cells and components fell 31 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2013, due to overcapacity and trade disputes, according to latest data.

Export value stood at $6.5 billion in the first six months, according to data from China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).

Exports to the European Union (EU), which contributed more than 40 percent to the total export value, tumbled 58.3 percent and those to the United States declined 48.9 percent in the first six months.

By contrast, exports to Asian and African countries rose 150.5 percent and 499.7 percent respectively, data showed.

The solution to a trade dispute between China and the EU over solar panels may temporarily halt pressure on the market but the domestic industry needs to cooperate with commerce authorities to maintain good market order, said an official with the CCCME.

The chamber of commerce is mulling self-management approaches for the domestic PV industry to promote survival of the fittest and encourage exports to emerging markets, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.