Markets

BYD has officially named its first fleet of eight transport vessels, marking a significant step in establishing a global logistics network. Seven ships are operational, with “Jinan” entering sea trials. The standardized design of vessels like “Pioneer 1,” “Shenzhen,” and “Zhengzhou” promises streamlined costs and efficient operations. This dedicated fleet addresses international logistics challenges amid BYD’s surging overseas EV sales and leverages domestic manufacturing hubs, signaling its commitment to global market leadership.

Zeekr announced strong July 2025 deliveries, totaling 44,193 vehicles across Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands, a 19.7% year-over-year increase. Zeekr brand accounted for 16,977 deliveries. The company unveiled new Super Hybrid Technologies built on the SEA-S platform featuring a 900V architecture and tri-silicon carbide e-motors, aiming for industry-leading charging speeds. The Zeekr 9X, the first model with this technology, boasts rapid charging capabilities, potentially charging from 20% to 80% in approximately 9 minutes.

Inphic is launching the IN10R, an ergonomic right-handed gaming mouse designed for small to medium hands, on August 1st. It features a “Six Golden Touchpoint Design” based on extensive hand-size data. The mouse incorporates a nano-level “ice-sense” coating to reduce sweat and slippage. Weighing 62g, it boasts a PAW3395 sensor, KP950B chip, 8K receiver, and Omron micro switches. It also features tri-mode connectivity, a large battery, customizable software, and a low-friction design. Available in two colors.

Li Auto’s i8 crash test video, showing a collision with a heavy-duty truck, has triggered controversy in China. The video, seemingly demonstrating the i8’s superior safety, led to scrutiny and a challenge from truck manufacturer Chenglong. Key individuals from both companies have proposed a public retest, escalating the situation. A Chenglong dealership invited Li Auto drivers for a rematch, highlighting the intense competition and reputational stakes for both companies. The event has garnered significant public attention.

Poxel SA, facing insolvency proceedings, has overhauled its board and leadership. The entire existing board resigned, replaced by Sophie Jacq Lapointe (Chairman), Nicolas Trouche (CEO), Amit Kohli, and Alexandre Bragadir. Trouche succeeds Thomas Kuhn as CEO. Lapointe brings pharmaceutical commercialization expertise, while Trouche specializes in restructuring. Kohli has expertise in diabetes therapies and Bragadir in healthcare financing. Poxel’s focus remains on MASH and rare metabolic disorder treatments, including PXL065 and PXL770, and its diabetes drug TWYMEEG®. The new leadership aims to navigate restructuring and secure funding.

Leading Chinese food delivery platforms, including Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com, have signaled a potential end to subsidy wars by publicly committing to curb unfair competition and “zero-dollar” promotions. They pledged to regulate promotional activities, respect market dynamics, guarantee reasonable profits for merchants, and focus on healthy competition driven by quality and service. The platforms aim to build a sustainable ecosystem through technological empowerment and supply chain innovation instead of relying on aggressive subsidies.

Beijing is allocating 69 billion yuan in special treasury bonds, the third batch dedicated to stimulating domestic consumption through trade-ins of consumer goods. A final tranche of 69 billion yuan is planned for October. The NDRC, along with the Ministry of Finance and Commerce, will oversee local governments to ensure matching funds and prevent price hikes or subsidy fraud. This initiative, building on a January program, offers subsidies for electronics upgrades, such as 15% discounts (up to 500 yuan) on smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches priced under 6,000 yuan.

Leading Chinese on-demand delivery platforms, including Ele.me, Meituan, and Taobao Flash, have jointly announced an end to “malicious competition” after regulatory scrutiny. The companies pledge to standardize promotional activities, prevent unfair competition, and ensure fair industry practices. Key areas of focus include strategically planned subsidies, rejecting unfair competition, improving service quality, and fostering a win-win ecosystem. This shift follows a meeting with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which mandated compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

STAAR Surgical (STAA) will release its Q2 2025 financial results on August 6, 2025, after market close. A live webcast and earnings call will follow at 4:30 p.m. ET. The company, a leader in phakic IOLs like the EVO ICL™, aims to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts. STAAR has distributed over 3 million ICLs across 75+ countries. A replay will be available on STAAR’s investor relations website for 90 days.

WeChat has updated its withdrawal fee structure, lowering the minimum fee threshold to 0.01 yuan (approximately $0.0014 USD) as of July 25th. Previously, a 0.1 yuan minimum applied after a cumulative 1,000 yuan fee-free withdrawal allowance was exceeded. Now, fees below 0.01 yuan are rounded up, but withdrawals of 0.01 yuan or less are exempt, benefitting users with small balances.