Economic growth

Mercer projects a 4.0% average salary increase in China for 2026, up from 3.8% in 2025. Their *Total Remuneration Survey 2026* indicates a positive shift in company sentiment regarding salary adjustments. Individual performance and market competitiveness remain key drivers. High-tech is expected to lead with 4.9% growth, while consumer goods and automotive lag. First-tier cities anticipate increases aligning with the national average. A softening in talent mobility suggests a more stable labor market. Companies are advised to align compensation with strategic priorities.

China’s electronic information manufacturing sector saw an 11.1% year-over-year increase in added value in H1 2025. While mobile phone production declined, smartphone and IC output rose. Exports grew overall, with IC exports surging 20.6% to 167.8 billion units. Revenue reached 8.04 trillion yuan, up 9.4%, and profits totaled 302.4 billion yuan, a 3.5% increase. The profit margin also improved, indicating increased sector efficiency.

Xcel Energy plans a significant expansion of energy infrastructure in Texas and New Mexico to meet a projected 40% surge in electricity demand by 2030. The $5 billion investment includes adding 5,168 MW of capacity through 17 new power projects utilizing wind, solar, battery storage, and natural gas. The initiative aims to boost electric reliability, grid resilience, and economic growth. Regulatory approval is expected in the second half of 2025.

China Mobile Chairman Yang Jie outlined a future dominated by silicon-based AI at the 2025 Shanghai World Mobile Congress. He anticipates AI surpassing human numbers, becoming critical to the global economy. Highlighting AI’s capabilities and demonstrating economic benefits, Yang projects synergistic collaboration between humans and silicon entities, fostering new industries and driving unprecedented growth, ultimately shaping a new civilization.