This episode contains segments on:

• China’s CPI and PPI in January 2026;
• EU Launches In-depth probe into Chinese Wind Turbine Maker; and
• Li Qiang Visit to Jiangxi.

The European Chamber’s Business Confidence Survey is still underway. If you are eligible, please fill in the survey before the survey closes.

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Read more:

China’s CPI in January 2026

https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202602/t20260211_1962588.html

China’s PPI in January 2026

https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202602/t20260211_1962587.html

EU Launches In-depth probe into Chinese Wind Turbine Maker

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_265

Li Qiang Visit to Jiangxi

https://www1.xinhuanet.com/politics/20260211/0ee5f9823f9b49cf90a86cc5462b3ceb/c.html

Transcript:

RUI: Hello and welcome to China ShortCuts,

XINHE: the European Chamber’s weekly catch-up on China’s business landscape.

RUI: This episode was recorded on 11th February 2026.

(Music)

RUI: China’s Consumer Price Index—or CPI—increased 0.2 year-on-year in January 2026, slowing down from the previous month’s 0.8 per cent increase.

XINHE: This slowdown can in part be attributed to lower food price inflation. In previous months, price increases in this category had been partially responsible for driving up the CPI to its highest level in more than a year. In January 2026, food prices in general remained unchanged, with several food subcategories posting decreases. Prices in most other major categories rose, with non-food prices, consumer goods prices, and services prices all seeing a 0.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

(Music)

RUI: In January 2026, the Producer Price Index—or PPI—fell by 1.4 per cent year-on-year, a slowdown compared to December’s 1.9 per cent decrease.

XINHE: January’s data represents the lowest PPI decrease in over a year, however the figure remains in negative territory. This continued deflationary pressure can in part be explained by decreasing prices in the mining industry, which saw an 8.1 per cent price drop year-on-year. The price of consumer goods also fell by 1.7 per cent, contributing a little less than 25 per cent to the overall decline in PPI in January. This was driven by a decrease in food prices, which dropped 1.9 per cent year-on-year in January.

The latest readings show that China is making slow progress in dealing with persistent deflationary pressure and suppressed demand. While policies to stimulate consumption will alleviate some of these issues, pursing more permanent solutions to address the imbalance between supply and demand is the most sustainable way to fight deflation and return to healthy price growth.

(Music)

RUI: The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into Goldwind Science & Technology Co Ltd under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, or FSR.

XINHE: The probe, announced on 3rd February, follows an initial investigation that began in April 2024 and examined multiple companies in the EU wind sector. The Commission found indications that Goldwind may have received foreign subsidies—including grants and preferential tax measures—that distort competition in the EU’s internal market.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from Chinese authorities. A Ministry of Commerce spokesperson urged the EU to, quote “immediately correct its erroneous practices”, unquote, and exercise caution when deploying the FSR investigation tool. Goldwind has stated that it will fully cooperate with the investigation. This case reflects broader tensions in EU-China trade relations, particularly around the Made in China 2025 initiative, which has historically prompted defensive measures from the EU in sectors in which China has achieved technological leadership, such as wind turbines.

(Music)

RUI: On 9th and 10th February,Chinese Premier Li Qiang conducted an inspection tour of Jiangxi during which he emphasised the importance of the rare earths industry to advanced manufacturing and the green transition.

XINHE: China’s dominance in the global supply ofrare earth elements—or REEs—was thrust into the spotlight last year after China introduced export controls on certain REEs. The move led to significant supply chain disruptions for some European companies, prompting the EU to take a more proactive approach to addressing strategic dependencies on China. Premier Li Qiang’s emphasis on the REE sector during his Jiangxi trip demonstrates China’s desire to remain a world leader in the sector.

(Music)

RUI: The European Chamber’sBusiness Confidence Survey 2026—or BCS—is still underway.

XINHE: The BCSis oneof the most effective ways for European Chamber members to have their say in Chamber messaging.The survey helps the European Chamber identify advocacy priorities for the year ahead, and the data collected is widely used by both Chinese and European stakeholders. One primary contact from all eligible member companies will have received details to access the anonymous survey.

RUI: If you or a colleague are eligible to complete the BCS, please make sure you do so as soon as possible before the survey closes.

RUI: Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to tune in next week.

XINHE: In the meantime, please find useful links in the episode notes.