China's AI Industry Grows 30%+, AI Device Sales Surpass Non-AI for First Time
On July 7, China's National Development and Reform Commission unveiled key data at the 2026 World AI Conference: the country's AI-related industries surpassed one trillion yuan in scale in 2025, with growth expected to stay above 30% in 2026.
Even more striking are the device numbers. In 2025, AI-powered phones, computers, and other smart terminals shipped over 100 million units. In 2026, AI device sales are projected to surpass non-AI products for the first time. This is a watershed moment—much like when smartphones overtook feature phones, "intelligent" is shifting from a bonus to a baseline requirement.
The policy boost sent A-share AI concept stocks rising on July 8, with the ChiNext AI Index up 2.71% and multiple AI ETFs gaining over 3%. Commentators note that players without on-device AI capabilities will visibly fall behind in the second half of 2026. The NDRC also emphasized "optimizing the industry ecosystem and driving AI into more real-economy scenarios," signaling a policy pivot from "encouraging R&D" to "promoting adoption."
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