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Chinese media prominently featured the nation's technological and industrial advancements, including developments in low-power transistors, a robotics hub in Beijing, and Shanghai's economic growth plans. Concurrently, the domestic electric vehicle sector faced challenges, with reports indicating BYD lost its top sales position in China and saw declining sales. New safety regulations for electric cars, including a ban on hidden door handles, were announced. The month also saw a major surge in gold investment and production, with the central bank continuing purchases and significant individual trading activity, contrasted by a sharp downturn in the silver market. In trade policy, China announced it will eliminate tariffs on imports from most African countries starting in May. Separately, China hosted the first senior officials' meeting for its 2026 APEC host year in Guangzhou, focusing on regional cooperation.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling found previous U.S. tariffs unlawful, leading China to call for their cancellation. In related developments, BYD filed a lawsuit seeking a tariff refund, and China announced a ban on hidden car door handles. The United States advanced efforts to form a critical minerals alliance with allies to reduce dependence on China, a move China criticized as an 'exclusive bloc'. U.S. actions also included stalling advanced AI chip sales to China. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited China, warning on trade imbalances; the visit resulted in China agreeing to purchase 120 Airbus aircraft. China announced new countervailing duties on EU dairy products, a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Globally, BYD sold more cars worldwide than Ford. Hong Kong reported a budget surplus and strong economic growth. In other trade developments, the U.S. announced it would not increase tariffs on Chinese goods, while China warned against any new unilateral U.S. tariffs.
15 topics | 430 sources
Chinese media are highlighting the country's technological and industrial progress. Reports cover a new low-power transistor, a robotics hub in Beijing, and Shanghai's plans for economic growth and foreign investment. At the same time, foreign media reports focus on challenges for China's electric vehicle sector. BYD, a major Chinese automaker, has reportedly lost its top sales position in China and seen vehicle sales decline for several months. New safety regulations have also been announced, banning hidden door handles on electric cars.
China is experiencing a major surge in gold investment and production. The country's central bank has been buying gold for 15 straight months, and individual investors, including a billionaire who made $3 billion on gold, are actively trading. A hotel in Macau even ripped up its gold-brick lobby floor to sell the metal as prices rose. At the same time, there's a sharp downturn in the silver market. A major Chinese silver fund has plummeted in value, and some traders, including the billionaire who profited from gold, are now betting against silver. One trading firm reportedly made $500 million from the silver price drop.
China announced it will eliminate tariffs on imports from most African countries starting in May, a move announced by Xi Jinping to deepen economic ties. This includes the removal of import tariffs on goods from South Africa specifically, as part of the broader tariff elimination policy for the continent.
China has banned carmakers from selling vehicles at excessively low prices. The government issued a new pricing conduct guide for the auto industry. This comes as electric and new energy vehicles are gaining significant market share in China, with some reports suggesting their success is not solely due to government subsidies.
Japan is increasing its dependence on China for rare earth imports despite a decline in overall volume. At the same time, Japan is exploring alternative sources, including mining mud from the Pacific Ocean floor near Minamitorishima Island. China has approved some rare earth exports to Japan under tightened controls.
37 topics | 673 sources
Feb 24 — Feb 10
US Supreme Court rules Trump-era tariffs unlawful as Trump announces new tariff policy excluding ChinaThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed during the Trump administration were unlawful, prompting China to call for their cancellation. Meanwhile, Trump announced the U.S. will raise tariffs to 15% or more for some trading partners but will not increase tariffs on goods from China, creating market uncertainty and drawing warnings from Beijing.
Feb 25
The US plans a critical minerals alliance and stockpile to counter China's dominanceThe United States is proposing a new trade bloc with its allies focused on critical minerals, which are essential for electronics and defense. The plan, often called a 'critical minerals alliance' or 'trade zone,' is aimed at reducing global reliance on China, which currently dominates the supply of these materials. China's foreign ministry has criticized the US plan, opposing what it calls the creation of 'exclusive blocs' that undermine the global trade order. Separately, President Trump announced a $12 billion plan to create a national stockpile of rare earth minerals, a move also described as an effort to counter China's control over these resources. Reports also indicate that Nvidia's sales of advanced AI chips to China have been stalled due to a US national security review. Trump separately warned that the US would have a 'very substantial' response if Canada enacted a new trade deal with China.
Feb 13
Chinese EV maker BYD surpasses Ford in global sales and seeks factory in MexicoChinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD sold more cars worldwide than Ford for the first time, signaling the growing strength of China's auto industry. Concurrently, BYD and fellow Chinese automaker Geely are attempting to purchase a factory in Mexico as part of their global expansion efforts.
Feb 27
Nvidia gets US license to ship H200 chips to China in limited quantitiesNvidia has secured a US license to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China, though officials note no shipments have occurred yet. The company reported strong quarterly revenue but expressed concern about future uncertainties in the Chinese market. The situation highlights ongoing US export controls on advanced semiconductor technology to China.
Feb 22 — Feb 26
China becomes Germany's most important trading partner, surpassing the United States