Energy Insider: China’s Gold Output Rose in 2025 as Consumption Slipped

Published: Feb. 6, 2026 4:29 p.m. GMT+8

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China’s gold production rises as consumption falls

China produced 381.3 tons of gold in 2025, a 1.1% increase from the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the China Gold Association. However, gold consumption in the country fell by 3.6% to 950.1 tons. Production from imported raw materials rose 8.8% to 170.7 tons.

China’s new solar capacity set for first drop in seven years

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China’s gold output rose 1.1% to 381.3 tons in 2025, while consumption fell 3.6% to 950.1 tons; gold from imports increased 8.8%.
China’s new solar capacity in 2026 is forecast to drop 24–43% from 2025, marking its first decline since 2019.
Tianqi Lithium will sell a $206 million stake in Chile’s SQM; EU launched a probe into wind firm Goldwind; China built a railway in Algeria; State Grid’s January investment surged 35.1%.

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Who’s Who

Tianqi Lithium Corp.: Tianqi Lithium Corp., a Chinese lithium giant, plans to sell up to 1.25% of its stake in Chile's SQM. This move, valued at $206 million as of February 3, aims to improve the company's liquidity following a legal defeat against the Chilean government's nationalization of SQM.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA: Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) is a Chilean mining company. Chinese lithium giant Tianqi Lithium Corp. plans to sell up to 1.25% of its stake in SQM to improve liquidity, following a legal dispute over the Chilean government's nationalization of the company. As of February 3, these shares were valued at $206 million.

Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd.: The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd. This probe, under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, has drawn criticism from Beijing. It highlights increasing scrutiny of Chinese green technology exports to Europe.

Jinko Solar Co. Ltd.: Jinko Solar Co. Ltd. (688223.SH) saw its stock soar 20% to its daily limit. This surge followed news that representatives for Elon Musk had toured major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities, like Jinko Solar, to evaluate their capacity and technology for his energy plans.

Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co. Ltd.: Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co. Ltd. (300393.SZ) experienced a sharp rally in its stock. Its shares soared 20% to their daily limits following reports that representatives for Elon Musk toured major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity and technology for his energy plans.

Trina Solar Co. Ltd.: Trina Solar Co. Ltd. (688599.SH) is a Chinese solar company. Its stock experienced gains ranging from 3% to 10% after representatives for Elon Musk reportedly toured major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity and technology for his energy plans.

JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd.: JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (002459.SZ) is a Chinese solar company. Its stock experienced a gain of 3% to 10% following news that representatives for Elon Musk had toured major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity and technology for his energy plans.

TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology Co. Ltd.: TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (002129.SZ) is a Chinese solar company. Its stock experienced a gain of 3% to 10% following news that representatives for Elon Musk surveyed major Chinese solar manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity and technology for his energy plans.

Longi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.: Longi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (601012.SH) is a Chinese solar company. Its shares saw gains ranging from 3% to 10% following a tour of Chinese solar manufacturing facilities by representatives of Elon Musk. This tour was to evaluate capacity and technology for Musk's energy plans, triggering a rally in the sector's stocks.

Sinosteel Group: Sinosteel Group is a Chinese company partnering with an Algerian state-owned firm to develop the Gara Djebilet mine. This mine, located in Algeria's western desert, holds an estimated 3.5 billion tons of iron ore reserves. Sinosteel Group's involvement is part of a strategic project to unlock these resources and support Algeria's economic diversification.

State Grid Corp. of China: State Grid Corp. of China significantly increased its infrastructure spending in January, with fixed-asset investment rising 35.1% year-on-year to 30.8 billion yuan ($4.4 billion). This state-owned utility is expediting grid planning and construction to enhance effective investment and bolster the economy in the first quarter.

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