[Phosphorus Chemicals: Phosphate ore exports rose 58.3% MoM in June 2026, with Yunnan and Fujian as the main drivers.]

According to Nikkei, Sumitomo Chemical plans to start mass production of a new-type solid-state battery electrolyte material for EVs as early as fiscal year 2028, a move expected to reduce costs without sacrificing performance. The new electrolyte adopts a halide system, with chlorine and other elements as the main components, and is expected to be an alternative to sulphide and oxide electrolyte materials. The material was jointly developed by Sumitomo Chemical, Kyoto University, and Tottori University.

Data released by South Korea's customs on Tuesday showed that, driven by the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom, robust semiconductor exports propelled the country's exports in the first 20 days of July up 52.3% YoY. The data showed that from July 1 to 20, South Korea's total exports reached $54.9 billion, compared with $36 billion in the same period last year. Imports over the same period rose 20% YoY to $42.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $12.2 billion. By sector, semiconductor exports continued to lead overall growth, surging 180% to $22.1 billion. Auto exports fell 10.6% to $3.24 billion. By destination, exports to China nearly doubled to $13.3 billion, while exports to the US rose 39.6% to $8.96 billion. As of Monday, South Korea's cumulative exports this year reached $551.2 billion, up 48.7% YoY.