Group 1 - China's exports of rare earth magnets to the United States saw a significant month-on-month increase, rising over seven times in June, but year-on-year exports decreased by 52% to 352 tons, indicating a low overall level [1][2] - In June, the total export volume of rare earth magnets from China was 3,187 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 38%, but a month-on-month increase of over 2.5 times after hitting a low in May [2] - The largest export destination for China's rare earth magnets in June was Germany, with exports reaching 764 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 25%, while exports to Japan were 131 tons, down 32% year-on-year [2] Group 2 - China's rare earth production accounts for approximately 70% of the global supply, and it is estimated that over 80% of rare earth magnets are manufactured in China [2] - The U.S. government made concessions in semiconductor negotiations with China, lifting export controls on NVIDIA's AI semiconductor chips, indicating a potential increase in collaboration between U.S. and Chinese companies [3]

Core Viewpoint - The negotiations between Japan and the U.S. are facing challenges due to the weakened political position of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following the recent Senate election losses, which may lead to a tougher stance from the Trump administration [1][4]. Group 1: Negotiation Dynamics - Japan's Minister of Economic and Fiscal Policy, Akizawa, is in Washington for the 8th round of ministerial talks, but the U.S. is showing a lack of urgency to reach an agreement [1][3]. - U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin emphasized that the priority is to achieve a "high-quality agreement" rather than rushing to finalize a deal [3]. - The Trump administration's assessment of Abe's weakened position may influence their negotiation strategy, potentially leading to a more hardline approach [4]. Group 2: Japan's Position and Strategy - Japan is under pressure to make concessions if it seeks to expedite negotiations, with Abe advocating for investment over tariffs as a means to negotiate [5]. - The U.S. demands market openness and a reduction in trade deficits, which contrasts with Japan's focus on tariff adjustments and investment commitments [5]. - Japan's willingness to lower tariffs on agricultural products and accept more U.S. agricultural imports could be key to persuading the Trump administration [5]. Group 3: External Influences - The outcomes of negotiations with other countries, such as India, may impact Japan's negotiations, as India has temporarily withdrawn its negotiation team [5]. - If the U.S. does not achieve significant results before the August 1 deadline, Trump may unexpectedly accept Japan's previous proposals to declare a victory [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Kansai Electric Power's plans to initiate geological surveys for the construction of new nuclear power units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant, marking the first concrete action towards new nuclear units in Japan since the 2011 earthquake [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Kansai Electric Power announced on July 22 that it will start geological surveys necessary for the construction of new nuclear units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture [1]. - The company had previously initiated surveys in 2010, but these were halted after the 2011 earthquake [1]. - The new units are intended to replace the decommissioned Mihama Unit 1 and others [2]. Group 2: Government and Regulatory Context - The Japanese government has stated that new generation units will be built on the land of the decommissioned units [2]. - Kansai Electric's president emphasized the necessity of nuclear energy for decarbonization and the growing electricity demand driven by the rapid growth of data centers and the semiconductor industry [2]. Group 3: Financial and Operational Considerations - The reconstruction of nuclear units is estimated to require around 1 trillion yen [2]. - The company plans to utilize its own funds, loans, and part of the capital raised through a large-scale fundraising initiative set for 2024 [2]. - Geological and topographical surveys are the first steps in the construction process, which will take approximately 20 years from survey completion to operational status [2].

7月21日记者会后，石破茂离开会场（7月21日，自民党总部） 日本执政党自民党在参议院选举中大败，但石破茂仍表示将继续执政，称承担大选失败责任不是辞职， 为了不让国政陷入停滞，继续担任首相才是责任。自民党内出现批评的声音，"倒石破"动向也在暗中酝 酿…… 日本首相石破茂在参院选举次日（7月21日）的记者会上表示将继续执政。他列举的理由是日美关税谈 判和物价高涨"国难"。自民党内部已开始出现批评其继续执政的声音，"倒石破"动向也在暗中酝酿。如 果政权的根基发生动摇，石破茂的政策推进力也将随之减弱。 石破茂在自民党总部以总裁身份出席了总结参议院选举的记者会。他10次使用"责任"一词来解释继续执 政的想法。并平淡地表示，承担大选失败责任不是辞去首相职位，为了不让国政陷入停滞，继续担任首 相才是责任。 石破茂表示："今后的道路将荆棘丛生。将以更加真诚、认真的态度与其他政党深入讨论，怀着赤心报 国的信念投身国家政治"。 日本政府一名高官表示："当安倍在参议院选举中失利时，曾经那么迫切要求其辞职的人如今在众参两 院都失利后仍然继续担任首相是否真的合适，这样的想法是存在的"。 在社交媒体X上，"#石破総裁の退陣を求める（要 ...

日经GO 斯巴鲁推出新款EV，2026年在北美发售 原创 阅读全文 ...

Core Viewpoint - Proterial has developed a new type of magnet for electric vehicle (EV) motors that does not use heavy rare earth materials, addressing supply chain concerns due to China's export restrictions on rare earth elements [1][2]. Group 1 - Proterial has created two types of new magnets, one of which has begun providing trial samples from mass production facilities, while the other is a next-generation magnet with improved heat resistance, expected to start shipping samples around April 2026 [1][2]. - The new magnets are designed to replace traditional neodymium magnets used in precision instruments and electric vehicles, offering stronger magnetic power [1][2]. - The development of these magnets is crucial as the automotive industry faces supply disruptions, exemplified by Suzuki's suspension of production for its Swift model due to rare earth shortages [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new type of thin and lightweight photovoltaic cell known as "brass mine photovoltaic cells," which are positioned as competitors to perovskite solar cells. Group 1: Industry Overview - Brass mine photovoltaic cells are characterized by their thickness of 0.6 to 0.7 mm, making them comparable to a thin plastic mat, with a weight density of approximately 0.7 kg/m², similar to regular corrugated cardboard [1]. - This type of photovoltaic cell was previously referred to as "CIS type" or "CIGS type," named after the compound semiconductors used, which primarily consist of copper (Cu), indium (In), gallium (Ga), sulfur (S), and selenium (Se) [1].

Core Viewpoint - The case of the Astellas Pharma employee being sentenced for espionage highlights the complexities of Sino-Japanese relations and the implications of China's legal system on foreign nationals [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court sentenced the Astellas employee to 3 years and 6 months in prison for espionage, recognizing his actions of receiving compensation for providing information to a Japanese agency as espionage activities [1][2]. - The Chinese authorities encouraged the employee to confess, indicating that a guilty plea could lead to a lighter sentence, which reflects a judicial transaction in this rare case involving a Japanese national [2]. - The legal basis for the plea deal stems from the revised Criminal Procedure Law implemented in October 2018, which allows for reduced sentences in exchange for confessions [2]. Group 2: Background Information - The detained individual, over 60 years old, had served as a senior executive for Astellas in China for more than 20 years and was previously the vice president of the China Japan Chamber of Commerce [3]. - The employee was detained in March 2023 as he was preparing to return to Japan, indicating a strategic timing by Chinese authorities [3]. - The case is part of ongoing tensions between China and Japan, with the Chinese leadership closely monitoring relations with neighboring countries amid broader geopolitical dynamics [2].

美国特朗普政府7月20日迎来了上台半年。对高关税导致物价急剧上涨和经济恶化的悲观论有所减弱， 减税和放宽限制等重视增长的政策正在推动企业投资。不过，根据市场压力、交易与谈判反复修正轨道 的危险并未消失…… 主要向美国特斯拉供货的松下控股决定推迟在美国投资建设的电池工厂的满负荷生产。有分析认为，随 着美国政府停止对纯电动汽车（EV）的支持，存在电池产能过剩的风险。 企业正在考虑以高关税长期持续作为前提的选项。日本汽车车灯巨头小糸制作所的专务董事、首席财务 官（CFO）大嶽孝仁指出，"不只是要在特朗普政权时期坚持下去"。 美国特朗普政府7月20日迎来了上台半年。对高关税导致物价急剧上涨和经济恶化的悲观论有所减弱， 减税和放宽限制等重视增长的政策正在推动企业投资。不过，根据市场压力、交易与谈判反复修正轨道 的危险并未消失，特朗普的政策运作仍在"走钢丝"。 最近半年来，特朗普政权接二连三出台政策。以来自中国的进口商品为开端，从2月起逐步提高关税，4 月公布了大规模对等关税。此外，还推进联邦政府的裁员，7月通过了大而美法案（OBBB）。 通过减税和放宽限制实现"小政府"和保护主义性质的高关税，都是为了促进民营企业的对美 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent defeat of Japan's ruling party in the House of Councillors election has led to a cautious but stable reaction in the yen exchange rate, with market participants remaining vigilant about potential future depreciation due to fiscal expansion and high tariffs from the U.S. [1][3] Group 1: Election Impact on Yen - The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito failed to secure a majority in the House of Councillors, which has raised concerns about the government's ability to pass legislation and budgets without relying on opposition parties [3][4] - Despite the ruling party's loss, the market reaction was relatively calm as the defeat was not as severe as anticipated, leading to some short-term buying of yen [3][4] Group 2: Fiscal Policy Concerns - The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, has proposed expanding subsidies and temporarily reducing the food-related tax rate from 8% to 0%, which could lead to increased fiscal spending [3][4] - The likelihood of fiscal expansion is increasing, raising concerns about "malicious interest rate hikes" and potential long-term depreciation of the yen, with forecasts suggesting it could weaken to 150 yen per dollar [4][5] Group 3: Tariff Negotiations and Market Sentiment - Upcoming negotiations regarding a potential 25% tariff on Japanese imports are causing additional anxiety in the market, as Japan may struggle to secure favorable terms [4][5] - The uncertainty surrounding the political landscape and the potential for a no-confidence motion in the minority government could exacerbate market tensions [5]