[Xiaomi Auto Unveils Patent Related to Solid-State Batteries] According to Tianyancha APP, Xiaomi Auto Technology Co., Ltd. recently had its patent titled "Solid-State Battery Composite Electrode, Preparation Method, and Solid-State Battery Including the Composite Electrode" published. The patent abstract on Tianyancha indicates that the disclosed solid-state battery composite electrode effectively shortens the transmission path of metal ions within thick electrodes, accelerates the transmission rate of metal ions between electrodes, and exhibits high electrode loading and C-rate performance. (Kechuangban Daily) [CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025] CICC pointed out that the Chinese new energy vehicle market has shown robust performance since 2025, with wholesale sales of new energy vehicles increasing by 46% YoY from January to April 2025. Looking ahead, CICC is optimistic that domestic new energy vehicle sales will maintain strong growth in H2 2025, driven by the resonance of domestic demand and exports. [Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Domestically Produced Vehicles] Recently, Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. have filed recall plans with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products" and the "Implementation Measures for the Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products." Recall No. S2025M0090V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain domestically produced C-Class and GLC SUV vehicles manufactured between April 25, 2023, and August 17, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 252 units. Recall No. S2025M0094V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain imported S-Class and EQE vehicles manufactured between February 8, 2023, and October 10, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 257 units. Some vehicles within the scope of this recall used incorrect fuse boxes during previous recall repairs, which may lead to malfunctions in associated systems, resulting in potential loss of power, affecting restraint systems, instrument displays, etc. Additionally, the risk of fire cannot be ruled out, posing safety hazards. Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. will, through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, conduct free inspections of the affected fuse boxes for vehicles within the recall scope and replace them if the part numbers are incorrect to eliminate safety hazards. (Finance News) [Eight Departments Seek Public Comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)"] Eight departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, are seeking public comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)." Automobile data processors providing automobile data overseas shall declare a data outbound security assessment if any of the following circumstances apply: (1) providing important data overseas; (2) cumulatively providing personal information (excluding sensitive personal information) of over 1 million individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (3) cumulatively providing sensitive personal information of over 10,000 individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (4) operators of critical information infrastructure providing personal information overseas; (5) other circumstances specified by relevant state regulations that require a declaration of data outbound security assessment. (Cailian Press) [GAC Group Promises: Rebate Payments to Dealers Will Be Completed Within Two Months Starting Today] GAC Group issued a commitment announcement: As a crucial part of the automotive industry chain, the stable development of dealers is a key factor in ensuring user service and experience. GAC Group actively responded to the initiative of the China Automobile Dealers Association to promote the healthy development of the automotive industry. Alongside its five major vehicle brands—Hyptec, Trumpchi, Aion, Honda, and Toyota—GAC Group promises that starting today, it will ensure the completion of rebate payments to dealers within two months to drive the high-quality development of the automotive industry. (Cailian Press) [MIIT: National Lithium Battery Production Exceeded 473GWh in January-April, Up 68% YoY] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released data indicating that from January to April 2025, China's lithium-ion battery industry continued its growth momentum. According to information from enterprises under the lithium battery industry's standard announcement and calculations by industry associations, the total national lithium battery production from January to April exceeded 473GWh, up 68% YoY. In the battery segment, the production of energy storage lithium batteries exceeded 110GWh, and the battery installations for new energy vehicles were approximately 184GWh. The total export value of lithium batteries nationwide from January to April reached 155.4 billion yuan, up 25% YoY. In the first-stage materials segment, the production of cathode materials, anode materials, separators, and electrolytes from January to April was approximately 1.15 million mt, 760,000 mt, 8 billion m², and 470,000 mt, respectively, all showing YoY increases of over 40%. In the second-stage materials segment, the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 270,000 mt, up 60% YoY, while the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide was 90,000 mt, down 14% YoY. The average prices of battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide (micro powder grade) from January to April were 74,000 yuan/mt and 76,000 yuan/mt, respectively. 》Click for details Related Reading: [SMM Analysis] Breakthrough Achieved in Portugal's Lithium Mine Project; Development of Europe's Largest Spodumene Deposit Accelerates Weekly Summary of the LFP Market in June [SMM Lithium Battery Market Analysis] [SMM Analysis] Behind the 60-Day Payment Commitment: Suppliers' Wry Smiles and Anticipations Cobalt Product Quotes "Plummeting"; Co3O4 Falls by 7,650 Yuan in a Single Week; Will It Stop Next Week? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto Partners with Codelco to Enter the Lithium Triangle; $900 Million to Develop World-Class Salt Lake Project [SMM Analysis] Separator Prices Remain Stable [SMM Analysis] Raw Material Drag Causes Price Decline; Policy Window Period May Lead to Bottoming Out and Rebound Battery and Solid-State Battery Sectors Strengthen Again; Multiple Automakers Announce Latest Progress; Lopal Shares Surge with Nearly 6 Limit-Up Moves [Hot Stock] [SMM Analysis] Cathode Material Production Increased MoM in May; Weak Growth in Downstream End-Use Demand [SMM Analysis] Anode Material Production Increased in May Due to Rising Demand [SMM Analysis] Co3O4 Production Increased MoM in May; Industry Players Remain Cautious Cobalt Product Quotes Collectively "Fall"; Cobalt Chloride Smelters' Quotes Remain Firm; Will They Stay High in the Future? [Weekly Observations] [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part I) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part II) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part III) [SMM Analysis] New Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Technology: Can a Single Injection Extend Battery Life?

► Xiaomi Auto Unveils Solid-State Battery-Related Patent ► CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025 ► Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Locally Produced Vehicles ► Eight Departments Solicit Public Opinions on the "Guidelines for the Security of Automotive Data Cross-Border Transfer (2025 Edition)" ► GAC Group Commits to Ensuring Dealer Rebate Settlement Within Two Months Starting Today ► MIIT: Total National Lithium Battery Production Exceeds 473 GWh from January to April, Up 68% YoY

According to CCTV News, on June 12, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a regular press conference. A reporter asked about the meeting of the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism. Lin Jian stated that he would like to emphasize that this meeting was held under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries. The two sides reached a consensus in principle on the framework of measures to implement the important consensus reached during the phone call between the heads of state of the two countries on June 5 and to consolidate the outcomes of the Geneva economic and trade talks, and made new progress in addressing each other's economic and trade concerns. The Chinese side has always delivered on its promises. Now that a consensus has been reached, both sides should abide by it. It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached during the phone call between the heads of state of the two countries, give full play to the role of the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism, and enhance consensus, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation through communication and dialogue.

SMM June 12 News: Metal Market: As of the midday close, domestic market base metals generally rose, with SHFE copper down 0.45%, SHFE aluminum up 1.14%, SHFE zinc up 0.34%, SHFE lead up 0.62%, SHFE tin slightly down, and SHFE nickel down 0.84%. In addition, the main continuous futures contract for foundry aluminum rose 0.62%, while alumina fell 0.45%. Lithium carbonate fell 1.3%, silicon metal fell 0.2%, and polysilicon fell 0.5%. The ferrous metals series mostly fell, with iron ore slightly down, rebar down 0.8%, and HRC down 0.74%. Stainless steel rose 0.76%. In the coking coal and coke sector: coking coal fell 1.9%, and coke fell 1.33%. In the overseas metal market, as of 11:45, LME metals all rose, with LME zinc up 0.45%, LME copper up 0.53%, LME aluminum up 0.32%, LME lead up 0.33%, LME tin up 0.2%, and LME nickel up 0.35%. In the precious metals sector, as of 11:45, COMEX gold rose 1.52%, and COMEX silver rose 0.65%; domestically, SHFE gold rose 1.01%, and SHFE silver fell 0.66%. As of the midday close, the most-traded contract for the European Containerized Freight Index fell 0.02%, closing at 2019.4. As of 11:45 on June 12, some midday futures market movements: 》June 12 SMM Metal Spot Prices Spot and Fundamentals Copper: Today, spot #1 copper cathode in Guangdong was quoted at a premium of 20 yuan/mt to a discount of 100 yuan/mt against the front-month contract, with an average premium of 60 yuan/mt, down 30 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a discount of 50 yuan/mt to a discount of 30 yuan/mt, with an average discount of 40 yuan/mt, down 10 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of #1 copper cathode in Guangdong was 79,010 yuan/mt, down 295 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, and the average price of SX-EW copper was 78,910 yuan/mt, down 275 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot Market: Today, Guangdong's inventory continued to decline, marking the sixth consecutive day of decline, primarily due to tight supply... 》Click for details Macro Front Domestic: [Li Chunlin, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission: Fully Supporting Shenzhen in Advancing Comprehensive Reform Pilot] Li Chunlin, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated at a State Council Information Office press conference on June 12 that the Implementation Plan for the Comprehensive Reform Pilot in Shenzhen to Build a Pioneer Demonstration Area of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics (2020-2025) has been implemented for nearly five years. To further consolidate and expand the pilot results, and support Shenzhen in intensifying efforts to eliminate institutional and mechanism shortcomings in various aspects and accelerate the construction of a high-level socialist market economy system, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council recently issued the Opinions on Advancing Shenzhen's Comprehensive Reform Pilot to Deepen Reform and Innovation and Expand Opening Up. This is a significant measure to support Shenzhen in building a pioneer demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics, an upgraded version of the Plan, and an important interpretation of China's unwavering commitment to deepening reform and opening up. Next, we will earnestly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and work with relevant departments and Guangdong Province to fully support Shenzhen in advancing its comprehensive reform pilot program, ensuring the implementation of the "Opinions". [Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: Supports Automakers' "60-Day Payment Term" Commitment to Promote Healthy Industry Development] Recently, 17 key automotive enterprises, including FAW, Dongfeng, GAC, and Seres, have successively issued statements committing to "payment terms not exceeding 60 days". Today (the 12th), relevant officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that the automakers' commitment is of great significance in promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the automotive industry. Relevant officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also stated that the automotive enterprises' proactive commitment to "payment terms not exceeding 60 days" reflects their positive response to national calls, fulfillment of social responsibilities, and corporate commitments, and is of great significance in building a collaborative and win-win development ecosystem for "complete vehicles - parts". Relevant officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology simultaneously stated that currently, China's NEV industry is at a critical juncture for high-quality development. It is hoped that enterprises will lead by example and strengthen industry self-discipline. It is also hoped that all sectors of society will care about and support the high-quality development of the NEV industry, jointly resist online chaos such as "internet trolls" and "black PR", and create a positive, civilized, and orderly development environment. (Cailian Press) The People's Bank of China conducted 119.3 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations today, with an operating interest rate of 1.40%, unchanged from the previous rate. As 126.5 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repos matured today, a net withdrawal of 7.2 billion yuan was realized. ► The central parity rate of the RMB against the US dollar in the inter-bank foreign exchange market on June 12 was 7.1803 RMB per US dollar. US dollar: As of 11:45, the US dollar index fell by 0.28%, reporting 98.35. US inflation data lower than expected has increased market expectations for a possible interest rate cut by the US Fed. US data has also prompted Trump to once again call for a significant interest rate cut by the US Fed. US data shows that the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.1% month-on-month in May, lower than the 0.2% increase expected by economists, as falling gasoline prices partially offset the impact of rising rents. However, against the backdrop of imposed import tariffs, inflation is expected to accelerate in the coming months. The market currently expects the US Fed to cut interest rates by 50 basis points before the end of the year. Market participants are awaiting the upcoming US Producer Price Index (PPI) data to gain more signals about the US Fed's policy path ahead of the Fed's meeting on June 17-18. A research report by China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) pointed out that next week, the US Fed will hold its June interest rate-setting meeting. CICC believes that the FOMC in June may slightly raise its inflation forecast, but due to the resilience of non-farm payrolls and the cooling of tariff tensions, the US Fed's assessment of growth may be more optimistic than in March. As a result, Powell's stance at this meeting may lean hawkish, which could disappoint investors expecting an interest rate cut from the US Fed. Data releases: Today, the following data will be announced: US initial jobless claims for the week ending June 7, US continuing jobless claims for the week ending May 31, US PPI year-on-year rate for May, US core PPI year-on-year rate for May, Japan's BSI Large Manufacturing Confidence Index for Q2, UK GDP month-on-month rate for April, UK industrial production month-on-month rate for April, UK industrial production year-on-year rate for April, UK seasonally adjusted goods trade balance for April, and UK seasonally adjusted trade balance for April, among others. In addition, at 12:00 on June 12, US President Trump increased the tariff on imported steel from 25% to 50%. He Lifeng visited the UK from June 8 to 13 and held the first meeting of the China-US Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism. Crude oil market: As of 11:45, crude oil futures have dropped slightly but remain hovering near a more than two-month high. Specifically, WTI crude fell by 0.32%, and Brent crude fell by 0.42%. The market is concerned that escalating geopolitical tensions could disrupt oil supplies. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that US crude oil inventories fell by 3.6 million barrels to 432.4 million barrels last week. Analysts had expected a decline of 2 million barrels. Increased refining activity pushed up gasoline and distillate inventories. The EIA stated that US gasoline inventories rose by 1.5 million barrels to 229.8 million barrels, compared to market expectations of a 900,000-barrel increase. Distillate inventories, including diesel and heating oil, rose by 1.2 million barrels to 108.9 million barrels, compared to market expectations of an 800,000-barrel increase. (Webstock Inc.) Spot market overview: ► Both inventory and copper prices fell, but the price spread between futures contracts widened; trading weakened, and premiums declined. [SMM South China Spot Copper] ► Tianjin zinc: Futures market mainly fluctuated, with premiums holding steady. [SMM Midday Review] ► [SMM Nickel Midday Review] On June 12, nickel prices continued to decline, with US CPI inflation for May falling short of expectations across the board. Midday reviews of other metal spot markets will be updated later. Please refresh to view.

The market declined rapidly in the afternoon session yesterday, with the ChiNext Index leading the losses. The combined turnover of the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets reached 142 million yuan for the day, up 129 billion yuan from the previous session. Sector-wise, port shipping, beauty and personal care, innovative drugs, and rare earth permanent magnets were among the top gainers, while Huawei Ascend, defense, semiconductors, and software development were among the biggest decliners. At yesterday's close, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.44%, the Shenzhen Component Index dropped 0.86%, and the ChiNext Index lost 1.17%. At today's brokerage morning meetings, Huatai Securities noted in its 2025 mid-year outlook that attention should be paid to the AI technological revolution as well as defense and self-sufficiency themes. China International Capital Corporation (CICC) believes the tungsten price center is expected to continue rising. Huaxi Securities suggested adopting a rotation strategy to play the tech rally. Huatai Securities 2025 Mid-Year Outlook: Focus on AI Tech Revolution, Defense, and Self-Sufficiency Themes Huatai Securities' 2025 mid-year outlook stated that the restructuring of global order is simultaneously altering asset pricing patterns. Multiple macro themes including tariff policies, global economic prospects, and geopolitical shifts are intertwined, leading to increased volatility across asset classes and weakened trends. In an uncertain environment, higher demands are placed on valuation, safety margins, odds, and ergodicity. The firm recommends responding through high odds and low correlation strategies. At the asset level, it advises maintaining operational flexibility, leveraging odds for left-side positioning during adjustments, and seeking structural opportunities in regional and industrial logic. With the US dollar trending weaker, non-US assets may show relative outperformance, European assets offer higher win rates, while emerging markets like Hong Kong stocks present better odds. Focus areas include the AI technological revolution, domestic demand sectors under fiscal expansion, as well as defense and self-sufficiency themes. CICC: Tungsten Price Center Expected to Continue Rising CICC noted that in the short term, the tightening supply-demand situation persists, coupled with the stimulative effect of overseas tungsten product premiums. The firm believes tungsten prices have entered a bull market channel and may continue breaking historical highs. Long-term, the supply-demand gap for tungsten is projected to expand from 18,300 mt in 2024 to 19,100 mt by 2028. The global tungsten supply-demand gap as a percentage of primary demand is estimated at -18.4%, -16.6%, -17.0%, -16.8%, and -17.4% from 2024 to 2028 respectively, with the tungsten price center expected to keep rising. Huaxi Securities: Play Tech Rally With Rotation Strategy Huaxi Securities pointed out that overall, expectations of easing China-US trade relations have boosted market risk appetite, with the tech sector continuing its rebound since late May. Notably, despite improving trade relations, international clues remain chaotic, indicating the "chaotic era" persists. Preparations should be made for potential reversals, avoiding excessive trading in single directions. Meanwhile, the main theme of the market remains unclear. Before the narrative of the technology sector is further strengthened, it is necessary to adopt a rotation strategy to participate in the technology market, "take profits when they are good" after achieving certain gains, and then look for sectors at low levels for appropriate positioning. If the technology market experiences a significant correction, it means that the STAR 50 Index will once again approach its position before the technology market rally in February. The expectation of market stabilization funds and substantive progress in the technology sector may provide solid support, offering a better opportunity to participate in the recovery of the technology market.

The latest "C50 Direction Index" survey by Cailian Press shows that the market consensus forecast for new RMB loans in May stands at 600 billion yuan, down 35 billion yuan YoY from 95 billion yuan in the same period last year. The median forecast for new aggregate financing in May is 2.32 trillion yuan, up 26 billion yuan YoY. Market participants expect M2 growth may pick up in May amid improved liquidity and low base effects. On prices, the market anticipates CPI to remain relatively stable in May while PPI deflation may widen further. The median forecasts for CPI and PPI YoY growth rates are -0.2% and -3.3% respectively. The "C50 Direction Index Survey", initiated by Cailian Press and completed with participation from various research institutions, comprehensively reflects market expectations on macroeconomic trends, monetary policy sentiment and financial data. Nearly 20 institutions participated in this round. Market consensus forecasts median new RMB loans in May at 600 billion yuan In April, new RMB loans totaled 280 billion yuan, down approximately 450 billion yuan YoY. Household loans decreased by 521.6 billion yuan while corporate loans rose by 610 billion yuan, mainly driven by bill financing. For May, the median forecast for new RMB loans is 600 billion yuan, down 35 billion yuan YoY, with projections ranging from 430 billion to 1.25 trillion yuan. Market analysts attribute weak credit expansion in May primarily to constrained corporate loan demand, with future trends heavily dependent on fiscal policy intensity. Corporate loan growth YoY was mainly supported by increased bill financing, reflecting still weak effective loan demand and subdued financing appetite among real-economy enterprises. Data shows bill rates in May first declined then rebounded, maintaining April's sideways trend. Binbin Sun, chief economist at Caitong Securities, noted: "The phased implementation of comprehensive financial support policies announced by the PBOC on May 7, coupled with slightly rising bill rates in late May, both indicate weaker bank demand for bill-based credit expansion. Credit is expected to strengthen MoM but remain weaker YoY." Additionally, weak medium and long-term corporate loans in May were significantly affected by local government debt restructuring. Wenlang Zhang, chief macro analyst at CICC, stated: "New credit in May may remain relatively weak, with our forecast showing a YoY decline. An important factor remains potential reductions in credit stock due to government bond swaps." "Affected by local governments' efforts to resolve debt, some outstanding loans in the hidden debt of urban investment platforms have been replaced or repaid early. New loans are calculated as the difference between newly issued loans and loans repaid in the current period. Therefore, the scale of new loans in the month will be affected to a certain extent," said Liao Bo, the co-chief macro analyst at Zheshang Securities. In the first five months of this year, special refinancing bonds issued by various provinces for debt replacement totaled 160 million yuan, causing technical disruptions to credit. New aggregate financing in May may increase YoY, and the YoY growth rate of M2 may continue to rebound. In April, new aggregate financing reached 1.16 trillion yuan, with the YoY increase expanding to 1.2 trillion yuan, mainly driven by government bonds. According to this survey, the median forecast for the scale of new aggregate financing in May by market institutions is 2.32 trillion yuan, an increase of 260 billion yuan compared to 2.06 trillion yuan in the same period of 2024. The forecast range of participating institutions is from 2 trillion yuan to 2.74 trillion yuan. Overall, government bonds are expected to remain the main contributor to aggregate financing in May. High-frequency data shows that the net financing scale of government bonds in May was approximately 1.46 trillion yuan, still achieving a YoY increase of nearly 268.8 billion yuan compared to the high base in the same period last year. In addition, the industry expects that with the gradual allocation and use of fiscal funds, it may positively drive M1. Lu Zhengwei, the chief economist at Industrial Bank, said that under the influence of "deposit outflow" in May 2024, the growth rate of M1 significantly pulled back. Given the low base and the continuous advancement of debt resolution policies, the growth rate of M1 in May 2025 is expected to rise significantly. Regarding M2, on May 7, the People's Bank of China announced comprehensive RRR cuts and interest rate cuts. The RRR cuts are expected to supplement liquidity by around 1 trillion yuan, significantly easing the liquidity situation in May. The DR007 benchmark rate in May fell by 14 basis points compared to April. Lu Zhengwei expects that with the improvement in market liquidity and the impact of a low base, M2 in May may rise. In Liao Bo's view, the rebound in the growth rate of M2 in May is mainly related to the rectification of manual interest rate adjustments for deposits in April 2024, hence the impact of a low base. In addition, the shift of deposits to wealth management products may continue. In Q1 2025, the People's Bank of China promoted a moderate rebound in government bond yields through measures such as suspending government bond purchases and withdrawing liquidity, which led to a decline in the net value of some wealth management products. This resulted in some funds flowing back from wealth management products to deposit accounts, also supporting the rise in M2. The YoY growth rate of CPI in May is expected to remain under pressure, while the YoY decline of PPI may continue to widen. In April, CPI decreased by 0.1% YoY, with the growth rate remaining negative for three consecutive months. The core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, maintained a YoY growth rate of 0.5%. From a YoY perspective, market institutions forecast the median CPI in May to be -0.2%, with a forecast range of -0.4% to -0.1%. Notably, nearly 60% of market institutions expect the YoY growth rate of CPI in May to remain flat compared to the previous month. Industry insiders believe that due to abundant seasonal supply, food prices have declined mildly overall, keeping the YoY growth rate of CPI at a low level in May. Data shows that the Shouguang Vegetable Price Index in China fell by 16.3% YoY in May, further widening from the 14.2% YoY decline in April. "Regarding pork, from the supply side, the secondary fattening pigs that were replenished earlier are being marketed in succession, and the replenishment of secondary fattening pigs will continue on a rolling basis, keeping supply strong. Meanwhile, holiday demand is weaker than in previous years, driving the average pork price in 22 provinces down by 0.6% MoM in May. In other aspects, we expect non-food consumer goods driven by the trade-in policy to maintain a volume discount trend, while service prices may recover mildly," said Zhang Wenlang. Looking ahead, Sun Binbin expects vegetable prices to receive some short-term support due to continuous rainfall in many parts of south China, while pork prices are expected to remain in the doldrums due to the pressure from rising marketings. He projects YoY CPI to be -0.2% and -0.4% in June and July, respectively. In terms of PPI, the YoY decline in PPI widened by 0.2 percentage points to 2.7% in April. The median forecast for YoY PPI in May among participating institutions is -3.3%, with a forecast range of -3.5% to -3.0%. Regarding the potential further widening of the YoY decline in PPI in May, Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank, analyzed that from an international perspective, the positive developments in Sino-US negotiations have boosted risk appetite, leading to a slight rebound in commodity prices except for gold. However, commodity prices subsequently pulled back due to renewed tariff threats. Data shows that the monthly average of the CRB Index in May rose by 0.1% MoM, while the monthly average of metal prices fell by 1.6% MoM, the monthly average of industrial raw material prices rose by 0.1% MoM, and the monthly average of Brent crude oil prices fell by 3.7% MoM. Domestically, the monthly average of the Nanhua Industrial Products Index fell by 2.1% MoM in May, marking the third consecutive month of decline. Among them, the decline in domestically priced steel prices dragged down the metal index by 0.4% MoM; the decline in oil and coal prices drove down the energy and chemical index by 3.3% MoM; the monthly average of the Ministry of Commerce's weekly-published producer goods price index fell by 1.7% MoM, the largest MoM decline since September last year. In May, among the sub-indices of the manufacturing PMI, the index for the purchase prices of major raw materials fell by 0.1 percentage points to 46.9%, and the ex-factory price index fell by 0.1 percentage points to 44.7%. In Liao Bo's view, the changes in PPI are mainly influenced by the imported impact of the downward fluctuation in international crude oil prices on China, as well as the accelerated technological progress in some domestic industries and intense market competition pressure. "We believe that there is still uncertainty in the trend of international commodity prices. However, as domestic policies such as large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in policies for consumer goods gradually take effect, they will provide some support for prices in certain industries. High-frequency data shows that it will be difficult for the MoM growth rate to return to the positive range," said Liao Bo.