China Highlights 4.01 Billion-kW Power Base and 1 Trillion-Yuan Trade-ins in H1 2026
Updated
Updated · People's Daily · Jul 17
China Highlights 4.01 Billion-kW Power Base and 1 Trillion-Yuan Trade-ins in H1 2026
3 articles · Updated · People's Daily · Jul 17
Summary
China framed its H1 2026 resilience around four markers: installed power capacity hit 4.01 billion kW by end-May, AI token use reached hundreds of trillions a day, trade-in sales topped 1 trillion yuan, and China-Africa trade reached 1.14 trillion yuan.
That mix was driven by new-energy manufacturing, fast AI adoption, expanded consumer trade-in subsidies and a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, which officials said helped cushion external volatility.
From January to May, high-tech manufacturing contributed nearly 40% of industrial growth and equipment manufacturing nearly 60%, underscoring a shift toward higher-end and greener production.
Consumer demand also broadened beyond goods: 136 million people benefited from trade-ins by June 20, smart-device sales jumped multiple times year on year, and China handled more than 550 million parcels a day.
The indicators add detail to China's broader H1 picture after GDP grew 4.7%, reinforcing Beijing's message that innovation, consumption and openness are supporting growth despite a volatile global backdrop.