Industry Intelligence
Industry Intelligence
China’s July 2026 PMI at 49.0: A Sourcing Signal, Not a Standalone Forecast
Information date: 21 August 2026. China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index stood at 49.0 in July 2026, while the non-manufacturing business activity expectation index remained above 50. For foreign buyer
Industry Intelligence
SpaceCom’s $1.94B Starlink-Rival Bet: 3 Signals for Foreign Investors
Shanghai Spacecom raised $1.94 billion at a ¥50.1 billion valuation to build China's Starlink rival. Here are 3 signals for foreign satellite investors.
AI
CATL’s ¥4.1B AI Data-Center Bet: 3 Signals for Foreign Investors
CATL agreed August 15 to buy a 49% stake in data-center power supplier Zhongheng's parent for ¥4.1 billion — its third AI-infrastructure investment in five months, after backing VNET and DeepSeek. Three signals for foreign investors watching China's AI power chain consolidate.
Compliance
China’s 18-Measure County Plan: 4 Entry Moves for Foreign Brands
Nine Chinese government agencies on August 18 released 18 measures to unlock consumption in county-level markets, where rural retail sales hit ¥3.8 trillion in the first seven months of 2026, growing 1.3pp faster than urban. Four entry moves for foreign consumer brands as Beijing re-routes growth downward.
Industry Intelligence
CXMT Tops ¥4.1 Trillion: 3 Signals for Foreign Semiconductor Players
CXMT's market value tops ¥4.1 trillion after its STAR Market debut, driven by AI demand and a memory shortage. Here are 3 signals for foreign chip players.
All Articles
Industry Intelligence
China’s Active ETF Revolution: What Foreign Asset Managers Must Know in 2026
China's ETF market has grown to RMB 4.2 trillion, and active ETFs are the new battleground for foreign asset managers. This briefing maps the regulatory tailwinds, distribution strategy, and competitive landscape.
Industry Intelligence
What China’s Cargo-First eVTOL Pivot Means for Foreign Companies
China's regulators are prioritizing cargo eVTOLs over passenger air taxis: 10+ models seek certification, AutoFlight's V2000CG is certified with SF Holding, and CATL's 350 Wh/kg battery passed tests. Market intelligence for foreign suppliers and investors in the low-altitude economy.
Industry Intelligence
What China’s 400 km/h CR450 Train Means for Foreign Rail Suppliers
China's next-generation CR450 bullet train completed a 600,000-kilometer operational test in August 2026, clearing the way for final certification of the world's fastest train at 400 km/h. This briefing maps opportunities for foreign railway suppliers in braking, signaling, and cabin systems.
Industry Intelligence
China’s AI Chip Boom Slows: 3 Supply-Chain Signals for Foreign Suppliers
Cambricon's Q2 growth halved to 76% as supply constraints and domestic competition bite, while Moore Threads heads for a Hong Kong listing. Three supply-chain signals for foreign suppliers and compute buyers.
EV
China’s Auto Powertrain Pivot: ¥85 Billion Bet on Hydrogen, E-Fuels, and Hybrids
China's auto industry is investing ¥85 billion in non-BEV powertrain R&D in 2026, betting on hydrogen fuel cells, synthetic e-fuels, and range-extended hybrids. Caixin reports MIIT is drafting a technology roadmap that formally recognizes these pathways alongside pure battery EVs.
AI
MiniMax Joins Stock Connect, Shares Jump 22.8%: What It Means for Foreign Investors in China AI
Chinese AI developer MiniMax joined the Stock Connect program and its shares jumped as much as 22.8%, pushing market cap back above HK$100 billion. This market intelligence briefing explains what the inclusion signals for foreign investors in China's AI sector.