Macroeconomics

1. [Automotive] Data from the CPCA (China Passenger Car Association) shows that retail sales of passenger vehicles nationwide totaled 1.461 million units in July, a year-on-year decrease of 20.9%. Of this total, retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) reached 951,000 units (down 3.9% year-on-year, with a market penetration rate of 65.1%), while retail sales of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles stood at 510,000 units (down 41% year-on-year). Exports of new energy passenger vehicles in July amounted to 540,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 147.8%.

2. [Australian Interest Rates] The Reserve Bank of Australia announced on the 11th that it would keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.35%, in line with market expectations. While the central bank maintained the rate, it also warned that inflationary risks persist.

Chemicals

1. [Carbon Black] Sichuan Xutan New Materials plans to build a carbon black post-processing project in the Neijiang-Rongchang High-tech Zone. The project involves a total investment of 35 million RMB, with 1.59% allocated to environmental protection, and has a construction period of four months. It will feature two production lines utilizing ozone oxidation modification and ultrafine pulverization processes to achieve an annual output of 2,000 tons of modified pigment carbon black and 1,000 tons of masterbatch carbon black.

2. [Lithium Batteries] On August 9, the 80GWh lithium battery industrial park project (Phase II) of Chuneng New Energy (Yichang)—located in Longquan Town, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province—officially commenced production.

3. [Titanium Dioxide] Titanium Energy Chemical announced plans for a total investment of approximately RMB 11 billion. The plan comprises two parts: first, a capital injection of RMB 260 million into its holding subsidiary, Guizhou Zhonghe Phosphating, to construct facilities for 400,000 tons of titanium dioxide and 1.4 million tons of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (totaling RMB 5.538 billion); and second, the construction of a 600,000-ton iron phosphate project by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gansu Dongfang Titanium Industry (totaling RMB 5.462 billion).

4. [Potassium Chloride] As of August 11, port inventories of imported potassium chloride stood at 110,000 tons at Machong Port, 298,000 tons at Yingkou Port, 86,000 tons at Yantai Port, and 400,000 tons at Fangchenggang Port.

5. [Aniline] On August 12, Dongying Huatai raised its aniline price by 200 RMB/ton; the latest price is set at 11,800 RMB/ton for cash payment and 11,900 RMB/ton for acceptance draft payment. Its 100,000-tonne capacity unit is operating normally.

6. [Styrene] On August 12, Lihuayi Weiyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. quoted styrene at 8,650 RMB/ton, an increase of 50 RMB/ton from the previous trading day.

7. [Lithium Carbonate] According to Chilean customs data, Chile's total lithium carbonate exports in July 2026 amounted to 23,400 tonnes, up 8.31% month-on-month and 11.63% year-on-year. Of this total, 15,051 tonnes were exported to China (down 0.29% month-on-month, up 10.4% year-on-year); 4,023 tonnes to South Korea (up 6.92% month-on-month, down 34.18% year-on-year); and 1,589 tonnes to Japan (up 1.29% month-on-month, up 158.1% year-on-year).

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