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Thursday, October 15, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

China · Country watch

China's EV Export Challenges, Trade Growth

China's EV makers face export hurdles as foreign trade expands 18.8%.

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in China are mixed today. EV makers face export challenges from new EU and Chinese measures, while foreign trade shows strong growth. This combination of hurdles and opportunities suggests a complex business environment for the week.

In this briefing European Union · China's electric vehicle industry · China · foreign trade · Li Qiang · Canton Fair

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

  • automotive

China's EV exports hit by EU quota and VAT rebate cut

A man standing next to a silver sports car
Ryan Lu / Unsplash

China's electric vehicle (EV) industry faces significant challenges as both the European Union and Beijing introduce measures affecting exports. The EU has imposed export quotas, while China has reduced VAT rebates, according to the South China Morning Post Business. These measures, combined with declining domestic sales, have led analysts to revise down earnings forecasts for the sector. The changes could create a critical moment for the country's EV makers, impacting their financial stability.

Impact EV manufacturers face reduced export potential and financial strain due to new EU and Chinese measures.

Sources: South China Morning Post Business ↗

  • logistics
  • manufacturing

China's foreign trade expands 18.8% in first three quarters

China's foreign trade expanded by 18.8% in the first three quarters of 2026, according to CGTN China. The growth reflects increased global demand for Chinese goods and services. This expansion is seen across various sectors, indicating a robust trade performance. The data highlights China's continued integration into the global market, despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Impact Exporters benefit from increased demand for Chinese goods, boosting trade volumes.

Sources: CGTN China ↗

Politics

  • retail
  • manufacturing

Premier Li Qiang pledges more high-value imports

Premier Li Qiang announced China's intention to increase imports of high-quality goods, particularly high-value-added products, as part of efforts to balance trade. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the autumn session of the Canton Fair, China's largest foreign trade exhibition. The event, which officially opens on Thursday, attracts over 35,000 exhibitors and buyers from around the world, according to ChinaMorningPost.

Impact Importers of high-value goods may see increased opportunities in China as the country seeks to balance trade.

Watch The Canton Fair officially opens on Thursday. · 15 October 2026

Sources: ChinaMorningPost ↗

Also today in China

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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