Russia became China's largest importer of trucks in July this year

In July 2026, China’s imports of cobalt hydrometallurgical intermediates stood at approximately 16,174 physical tonnes, up 48% month‑on‑month and 17% year‑on‑year. Of the total volume, imports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached around 15,970 physical tonnes, rising 48% month‑on‑month and 21% year‑on‑year. The average import price for cobalt hydrometallurgical intermediates in July 2026 was USD 17,915 per physical tonne, climbing 9.56% month‑on‑month. Around 10,046 physical tonnes of DRC‑sourced intermediates entered Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces via goods under customs special supervision zones, accounting for 62.9% of total imports. General‑trade imports totalled about 4,243 physical tonnes (26.6%), while processing with imported materials stood at roughly 1,681 physical tonnes (10.5%). In addition, China imported a combined 204 physical tonnes of intermediates from Russia and Zambia under general trade during the month.

On August 20, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) announced its cumulative deliveries had hit 1.5 million units, making it the fastest‑growing Chinese new‑energy vehicle brand to reach this milestone. Multiple new models including the Stelato G9, Luxeed RX and Stelato V8 were unveiled at the HIMA new‑product launch event, covering key market segments such as premium off‑road SUVs, coupe‑style SUVs and family‑oriented smart flagship MPVs. Currently, HIMA’s product portfolio spans price brackets from the RMB 200,000 range up to the million‑yuan level. Its nationwide retail network comprises more than 1,951 stores, reaching roughly 90 % of Chinese cities.

On August 20, Chery Automobile released its unaudited interim results for the six‑month period ended June 30, 2026. During the reporting period, Chery Automobile generated revenue of RMB 143.28 billion, a year‑on‑year increase of 1.2%; gross profit stood at RMB 23.044 billion, up 25.1% year‑on‑year; gross margin rose to 16.1% from 13.0% in the same period of last year. Profit for the period amounted to RMB 9.016 billion, representing a net profit margin of 6.3%. Global expansion continued to make breakthroughs. Overseas market revenue reached RMB 98.968 billion in the first half, growing 51.0% year‑on‑year. New‑energy business revenue hit RMB 59.284 billion, surging 63.8% year‑on‑year, with its proportion in total revenue climbing to 41.4% from 25.6% in the prior‑year corresponding period.