China’s gold production rises as consumption falls
China produced 381.3 tons of gold in 2025, a 1.1% increase from the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the China Gold Association. However, gold consumption in the country fell by 3.6% to 950.1 tons. Production from imported raw materials rose 8.8% to 170.7 tons.
China’s new solar capacity set for first drop in seven years
China’s solar power additions are set to decline in 2026 for the first time in seven years, as the industry confronts severe overcapacity and shifts toward market-oriented electricity pricing after a record installation surge last year. Newly installed capacity is forecast at 180 to 240 gigawatts, down 24% to 43% from 2025, Wang Bohua, a consultant with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, said at the group’s annual symposium on Thursday. The outlook marks the first annual contraction since 2019.
Tianqi Lithium to sell stake in Chile’s SQM
Chinese lithium giant Tianqi Lithium Corp. (002466.SZ) plans to sell a portion of its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) to improve liquidity. This move follows its defeat in a legal battle against the Chilean government’s nationalization of the lucrative mining company. In an announcement on Wednesday, Shenzhen- and Hong Kong-listed Tianqi Lithium stated it intends to sell up to 3.566 million Class A shares of SQM, representing a 1.25% stake in the company. As of Feb. 3, the book value of these shares was $206 million, according to Tianqi.
EU probe into Chinese wind giant sparks backlash
The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (002202.SZ) under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation, sparking criticism from Beijing. Announced Tuesday, the investigation reflects growing scrutiny of Chinese green technology exports to Europe. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that the EU’s frequent use of unilateral trade tools and discriminatory measures sends a protectionist signal that damages the bloc’s image and undermines the confidence of Chinese investors.
Musk team surveys Chinese solar supply chain
Representatives for Elon Musk recently toured major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity and technology for the billionaire’s ambitious energy plans, triggering a sharp rally in the sector’s stocks. On Wednesday, shares of Jinko Solar Co. Ltd. (688223.SH) and Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co. Ltd. (300393.SZ) soared 20% at one point to their daily limits. Other industry heavyweights, including Trina Solar Co. Ltd. (688599.SH), JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (002459.SZ), TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (002129.SZ) and Longi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (601012.SH), posted gains ranging from 3% to 10%.
Chinese-built heavy-haul railway opens in Algeria
A Chinese-built heavy-haul railway has opened in Algeria, a strategic project designed to unlock one of the world’s largest iron ore mines and bolster the North African nation’s efforts to diversify its economy away from an overreliance on natural gas exports. The railway connects the regions of Bechar, Beni Abbes and Tindouf to the Gara Djebilet mine, an open-pit deposit in the western desert near Morocco. The mine holds an estimated 3.5 billion tons of iron ore reserves and is being developed by an Algerian state-owned firm and China’s Sinosteel Group, according to media reports.
State Grid investment surges in January
State Grid Corp. of China reported a broad increase in infrastructure spending at the start of the year, with fixed-asset investment jumping 35.1% year-on-year to 30.8 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in January. The state-owned utility said it is accelerating grid planning and construction to boost effective investment and support the economy in the first quarter.
