Guang Zhou Ri Bao·2025-06-11 15:43Core Viewpoint - Major Chinese automotive companies have committed to a maximum supplier payment term of 60 days, effective from June 1, 2025, as part of a new regulation aimed at improving cash flow for small and medium-sized enterprises [1][7]. Group 1: Supplier Payment Terms - 17 key automotive manufacturers have pledged to adhere to a 60-day payment term for suppliers, which is a response to the new regulation from the State Council [1]. - The average payment cycle for major companies is significantly longer, with BYD at 127 days, Chery at 143 days, Great Wall at 163 days, NIO at 195 days, and Changan exceeding 200 days [3][5]. Group 2: Financial Impact on Suppliers - Extended payment terms lead to increased financial costs for upstream suppliers, resulting in reduced profits [3]. - The ratio of accounts payable to revenue is a critical indicator of a company's operational health, with NIO at 52%, Changan at 49%, Great Wall at 39%, SAIC at 38%, and BYD at 31% [3][5]. Group 3: Industry Competition and Profitability - Intense competition has caused component procurement prices to decline by 10%-15% annually, putting additional pressure on profitability and supply chains [6]. - The automotive industry's profit margin was reported at 4.3% in 2024, decreasing to 3.9% in the first quarter of 2025 [6]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The commitment to a 60-day payment term is seen as a positive step towards reducing risks in the automotive supply chain and promoting sustainable development [7]. - There are still many operational details that need clarification, such as the calculation methods for payment terms and the types of payment instruments used [7][8].