Drops in Lithium Carbonate and Lithium Hydroxide Prices to Slow Down in March

[Shanghai: Actively Exploring Pilot Applications of New Energy and Clean Energy Technologies such as Methanol Power in Inland Waterway Shipping] The General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government issued the Implementation Plan for Shanghai's Construction of a Pilot Zone for High-Quality Development of Yangtze River Delta Inland Shipping and the Inland Waterway Transport System Connectivity Project (2026–2030). The plan proposes developing new energy and clean energy-powered vessels, continuously expanding the application scale of battery power technology in small and medium-sized vessels, short- to medium-distance transport, and other scenarios, and building and improving charging and battery swapping facilities. It also proposes actively exploring pilot applications of new energy and clean energy technologies such as methanol power in inland waterway shipping, and gradually developing shore-based, water-based, and other forms of new-type fuel refueling capabilities.

Data released by CPCA showed that from July 1 to 26, retail sales of passenger vehicles in China totaled 1.123 million units, down 18% YoY and 13% MoM, with cumulative year-to-date retail sales of 9.824 million units, down 20% YoY; during the same period, retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles were 738,000 units, down 2% YoY and 10% MoM, with year-to-date sales of 5.443 million units, down 13% YoY; the new energy retail penetration rate for July 1-26 was 65.7%.

On July 29, Rio Tinto announced its 2026 H1 results. According to the data, in H1, Rio Tinto's underlying earnings reached $6.85 billion, up 43% YoY; net profit was $6.66 billion, up 47% YoY. In H1, net cash generated from operating activities was $9.2 billion, underlying EBITDA was $14.8 billion, underlying ROIC was 17%, underlying earnings per share were 421.4¢, dividends per ordinary share were 211¢, and the payout ratio was 50%.