Chery launches new brand iCaur in Brazil focusing on electric SUVs, including V27 and V23 models

GIFT Nifty indicators signaled a possible negative opening for the Nifty50 index. Most Asian markets traded in a declining trend, reflecting the drop in technology stock values.

Asian Market Overview

On July 28, 2026, GIFT Nifty showed signs of a negative start for Nifty50, despite mixed global signals. Futures were valued at 24,005 points, which is 23 points lower. Markets in the Asia-Pacific region traded in the red as investors closed their positions on technology stocks awaiting reports from Amazon, Meta Inc., and Apple Inc.

The Korean index Kospi fell by 8.04 percent, while SK Hynix shares dropped by 10 percent. Japan's Nikkei 225 and Australia's S&P ASX 200 indices also showed declines—by 3.84 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively.

US Market Situation

During the night, the Nasdaq Composite index closed down by 0.18 percent. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 showed growth: the latter by 0.51 percent, and the former by 0.02 percent.

Commodity Price Dynamics

Oil prices continued to fall amid optimism regarding a potential diplomatic settlement between the US and Iran. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran are progressing successfully but warned that Washington would initiate military action if talks stalled. Iran also made similar statements.

July futures were valued at $87.52 per barrel on the International Continental Exchange, representing a drop of 0.95 percent. Gold and silver futures traded down by 0.67 percent and 1.79 percent, respectively.

China's export portfolio is undergoing rapid evolution as a new generation of high-tech products emerges as key drivers of foreign trade. While electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells were previously considered China's export 'new trinity,' robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative pharmaceuticals have gained momentum in the first half of this year, earning the title of the 'new new trinity.'

Shift in Export Paradigm

Analysts note that this shift reflects a fundamental change in the basis of Chinese export competitiveness. According to Pan Yazhe, a digital economy researcher from Galaxy Securities China Institute for New Development, the previous 'new trinity' was based on manufacturing capacity, where advantages went to those who could ensure large-scale production and cost reduction.

Pan emphasized that the 'new new trinity' operates under a completely different industrial logic. These are industries that intensively utilize knowledge and technology, whose competitive advantage stems from continuous research and development and constant technological iteration. Value creation has shifted from traditional factor inputs to innovation-driven growth.

Expansion of Chinese AI Influence

China's AI industry is expanding its influence far beyond simple software exports. According to data from OpenRouter, a global AI model aggregator, Chinese large language models processed 36.11 trillion tokens in the third week of July, exceeding the previous week's figure by more than 30%. These models have held the world's top spot for weekly usage for twelve consecutive weeks.

Industry observers point out that AI exports now encompass a wide range of digital capabilities, including algorithm development, model deployment, and AI agent applications—areas often difficult to capture in standard trade statistics. Chinese AI technologies are currently being used by users in 141 countries and regions.

Robots in Manufacturing and Services

Chinese robots are also strengthening their positions in overseas markets, moving from demonstration technologies to practical application in industry and services. On production lines, industrial robots can tighten a screw in just five seconds with precision and speed surpassing experienced workers. In the energy sector, robots are used to repair high-voltage power lines, minimizing the need for dangerous manual operations.

Concurrently, service robots are becoming increasingly intelligent. At exhibitions, they can understand voice commands, move autonomously, and deliver requested items. In smart pharmacies, robots from different manufacturers can share the same AI platform for medication sorting, paving the way for 24-hour automated pharmacies.

Growth in Robotics Exports

Trade data indicates rapid growth in the sector. In the first half of 2026, exports of cleaning and intelligent bionic robots reached 18.09 billion yuan (approximately 2.7 billion US dollars). Total industrial robot exports amounted to 6.29 billion yuan, an 18.6% increase compared to the same period last year, reaching 141 countries and regions. The export of surgical robots increased threefold to 480 million yuan, and their markets expanded from 23 to 49 countries and regions.

The volume of trade between China and Africa reached an all-time high of 1.41 trillion yuan (equivalent to 197 billion US dollars) in the first half of 2026. This growth is attributed to a sharp increase in imports from African countries after China introduced a zero customs duty policy for all African states with which it has diplomatic relations, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li Jian, on Monday.

Growth in Imports and Trade Policy

During a regular press briefing, Li Jian noted that bilateral trade reached an unprecedented level in the first six months of the current year, and new records are expected to be set by the end of 2026. Imports from Africa have significantly increased following China's introduction of a zero-tariff policy for all African countries maintaining diplomatic ties with the PRC.

First Months After Policy Implementation

In May and June, the first two months after the policy came into effect, imports from Africa amounted to 193.8 billion yuan (approximately 27 billion US dollars), demonstrating a 23.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Thanks to this policy, more African products, including dried chilies, coffee beans, cashews, and wild aquatic products, are entering the Chinese market, which now has unified regional access to the market.

Exports and China's Position

Regarding exports, about 75% of goods that China sends to Africa consist of capital and intermediate goods. These include equipment, machinery, industrial parts, and raw materials used in production. According to Li Jian, these goods contribute to the industrialization and agricultural modernization in Africa, rather than solely satisfying consumer demand. Emphasizing that international trade is a 'two-way street,' Li stated that despite global challenges related to the spread of regional hotspots of tension and the resurgence of unilateralism and protectionism, China is firmly committed to expanding high-standard opening through its zero-tariff policy, demonstrating its responsibility as a major power. He added that this initiative has been widely approved by African countries and noted by the international community.