Top 7 China Carbon Trading Companies & Platforms 2025
China launched the world's largest emissions trading system (ETS) in 2021, and by 2025 it has become a critical pillar of the country's dual carbon strategy — peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The market has expanded from power generation to cover steel, cement, and aluminum sectors, with trading volumes exceeding 200 million tonnes of CO2 in 2024. The reintroduction of the CCER (China Certified Emission Reduction) mechanism in 2024 has further activated the voluntary carbon credit market, attracting significant institutional investment.
TL;DR: China's carbon trading market is maturing rapidly in 2025 with expanding sector coverage, growing liquidity, and international linkage potential. The national ETS now covers over 2,200 companies across four major industries, with total market capitalization exceeding RMB 100 billion.
Top Companies
CNEEA (China National Emission Exchange Association)
200M+ tonnes tradedCNEEA operates the national carbon ETS registry and trading platform. In 2024, cumulative trading volume exceeded 200 million tonnes of CO2 allowances, with average prices rising to RMB 95/tonne from RMB 48 in 2021.
Shanghai Environment & Energy Exchange
RMB 50B+ volumeShanghai EEX is China's primary carbon trading exchange, handling national ETS spot trading and CCER transactions. It has developed blockchain-based carbon credit verification systems for enhanced transparency.
Shenzhen Emissions Exchange
Pioneer since 2013As China's first mandatory carbon market (launched 2013), Shenzhen EEX covers over 800 enterprises and trades carbon allowances, CDM credits, and CCERs. It pioneered carbon asset management and carbon finance products.
Beijing Green Exchange
CCER relaunch platformBeijing Green Exchange serves as the primary CCER trading platform following its relaunch in 2024. It handles voluntary emission reduction credits from renewable energy, forestry, and waste treatment projects.
Tianjin Climate Exchange
Multi-asset carbonTianjin Climate Exchange trades carbon allowances, CCERs, and carbon performance standards. It serves industrial clusters in North China and offers carbon-neutral verification services for enterprises.
Hubei Carbon Emission Exchange
Central China hubHubei Carbon Exchange is the designated exchange for the national ETS allowance registration system. It provides carbon asset management, carbon consulting, and carbon finance services to Central China industries.
SinoCarbon (碳阻迹)
1,000+ enterprise clientsSinoCarbon is China's leading carbon management SaaS platform, providing carbon accounting, carbon footprint tracking, and ESG reporting for over 1,000 enterprises including Fortune 500 companies operating in China.
Comparison Table
| Exchange/Platform | Trading Volume (2024) | Average Price (RMB/tCO2) | Key Products | Sectors Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNEEA/National ETS | 200M+ tonnes | 95 | CO2 allowances | Power, Steel, Cement, Aluminum |
| Shanghai EEX | RMB 50B+ | 92 | Allowances, CCER | National platform |
| Shenzhen EEX | 80M+ tonnes | 88 | Allowances, CDM, CCER | 800+ enterprises |
| Beijing Green Exchange | 60M+ tonnes CCER | 72 | CCER, voluntary credits | Renewable, Forestry |
| Tianjin Climate Exchange | 30M+ tonnes | 85 | Allowances, carbon finance | North China industrial |
| Hubei Carbon Exchange | Registry hub | 90 | Registration, consulting | National ETS backbone |
| SinoCarbon | SaaS platform | N/A | Carbon accounting SaaS | 1,000+ enterprises |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does China's national ETS work?
China's national ETS sets emission caps for covered companies and allocates free CO2 allowances based on emission benchmarks. Companies must surrender allowances equal to their verified emissions, and can trade surplus allowances on the market.
What is the current carbon price in China?
As of 2025, China's national ETS carbon allowance price ranges from RMB 85-100 per tonne of CO2, having risen from RMB 48 at launch in 2021. Analysts project prices reaching RMB 150-200 by 2030.
What is CCER in China's carbon market?
CCER (China Certified Emission Reduction) is a voluntary carbon credit mechanism. Project developers earn CCER credits for verified emission reductions from renewable energy, forestry, and waste treatment projects, which can be sold to companies needing to offset emissions.
Which industries are covered by China's ETS in 2025?
The national ETS currently covers power generation, steel, cement, and aluminum smelting. Expansion to petrochemicals, paper, and aviation is planned for 2026-2027, which would increase coverage to over 8,000 companies.
Can foreign companies participate in China's carbon trading?
Foreign-invested enterprises operating in China that are covered sectors can participate directly in the national ETS. The CCER market also allows international buyers through approved channels, and international linkage with the EU ETS is under discussion.