[Experts Forecast China’s Q2 GDP YoY Growth at 4.5%]

Recently, several industry insiders revealed that multiple regions have issued window guidance for local small and medium-sized banks and licensed consumer finance companies, setting explicit quantitative indicators for the growth rate of loan volumes through lending assistance channels and business boundaries, while reiterating that the proportion of financing guarantee businesses must not exceed 25%. This move aims to push licensed institutions to return to self-operated businesses, solidify their independent risk control responsibilities, and reduce reliance on external platforms. This orientation continues the policy trajectory marked by intensive regulatory measures rolled out by financial authorities since 2025.

Shandong Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. has released its H1 2026 performance forecast. Based on preliminary calculations, net profit for H1 2026 is expected to be approximately 152 million yuan. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company is expected to be around -30 million yuan. Compared with -35 million yuan (after retrospective adjustment) in the same period last year, this represents a profit increase of about 5 million yuan YoY, a slight improvement. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company excluding non-recurring gains and losses for H1 2026 is expected to be around -169 million yuan.

[Plate/HRC] Plate export prices ease, HRC deals at 488-495 USD/tonne On 10 July China's HRC and other plate export prices fell 1-2 USD/tonne day on day, with HRC export deals at 488-495 USD/tonne FOB. A recent slowdown in yuan appreciation pushed prices modestly lower during the week; overseas demand showed no clear improvement and export order-taking stayed quiet. [Billet] Export billet FOB steady at 459-462 USD/tonne FOB Jiangyin, order-taking weak On 10 July China's export billet FOB price held steady, quoted at 459-462 USD/tonne at Jiangyin port. According to market feedback, although there were inquiries, deal prices in some Southeast Asian import markets were about 10 USD/tonne below domestic offers; with limited room for concessions, mills' billet export order-taking remained unsatisfactory, with most order shipments in August-September. [Rebar] Export rebar prices little changed, typhoon slows southeast-coast shipments On 10 July, according to market feedback, export rebar prices have shown little movement recently with relatively limited room for negotiation; typhoon weather has slowed the pace of shipments from southeast coastal areas.