China is rapidly expanding its presence in the Middle East's desalination market. As global water scarcity increases, countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are purchasing Chinese equipment, key components, and engineering services. Notably, even Middle Eastern nations that have traditionally led in desalination technology are beginning to utilize China's supply chain.
On October 22, Reuters reported that China is emerging as a major supplier of water treatment technology in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Saleh Al Kabti, head of China operations at Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, stated, "Chinese manufacturers are rapidly closing the technological gap with international leaders," and predicted that they could reach world-class standards within the next 2 to 3 years.
According to the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database, China's exports of water filtration and purification machinery exceeded $2 billion in 2025, marking a 25% increase from $1.6 billion in 2020. However, this figure includes various filtration and purification equipment beyond just desalination-specific machinery.
Chinese companies are also increasing exports of essential components, such as desalination membranes. Woton Technology, a Chinese membrane manufacturer, exported over 30,000 desalination membrane modules to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative last year. Additionally, China Power Construction Corporation is involved in a water supply project in Tanzania that will serve over 450,000 people and is participating in a $4 billion desalination project in Basra, Iraq, in collaboration with local partners.
Middle Eastern companies are becoming increasingly reliant on Chinese equipment. ACWA Power plans to purchase at least $15 billion worth of Chinese equipment annually over the next three years, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, and desalination technologies.
China's strengths lie in its vast manufacturing base and dense industrial supply chain. The ability to mass-produce key components like membranes and filtration equipment while sourcing related materials domestically allows for lower production and procurement costs. This is particularly advantageous in emerging markets, where cost-sensitive projects benefit from suppliers that can reduce initial construction expenses. If Chinese companies can provide not only equipment but also design, procurement, and construction services, along with financial and infrastructure cooperation, they can enhance their competitiveness in securing contracts.
Just as China established price competitiveness and expanded its overseas markets in solar and wind energy through mass production, similar expectations are emerging for desalination technology. Following solar and wind, desalination technology is becoming a key future export item for China.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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