Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Plunge in power rates helps Chinese factories
The Straits Times
|June 06, 2025
A crash in Chinese coal prices and a flood of clean energy are cutting power rates in major industrial hubs, easing pressure on some of the factories caught in the crossfire of trade hostilities with the US.
-
ries caught in the crossfire of trade hostilities with the US. In Jiangsu province, the average price for June contracts settled by centralised bidding plunged 24 per cent year on year to 313 yuan (S$56) per megawatt-hour, the lowest level regulators allow. In Guangdong, the rate dropped 8.3 per cent to the government's floor of 373 yuan per MWh. The two coastal powerhouses are heavily dependent on exports, with a combined economy bigger than that of France.
The main driver is a collapse in the price of coal - down 30 per cent over the past year - which accounts for more than half of the electricity generated in China. A shift to market-based pricing, particularly for renewables, is also helping to weaken rates.
This story is from the June 06, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Olympic thrills, spills leave lasting memories
Whether it be Alysa Liu’s sparkling figure skating gold, the Swiss men’s Alpine skiing domination or Lindsey Vonn’s horrific crash, the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have provided a host of unforgettable moments.
2 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
One Battle After Another triumphs at BAFTAs
American filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another continued its awards season streak by winning the top prize at the BAFTAs on Feb 22, with the British awards also recognising homegrown talent across categories.
2 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Hong Kong appeals court upholds jail sentences of 12 democracy campaigners
The activists were handed prison terms in 2024 for organising unofficial polls in 2020
3 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
S'pore retains lowest-tariff edge in Asia even as US court ruling narrows gap
Any uptick in regional trade cycle due to lower rates will likely support the economy
4 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Victory spurs Gunners after hellish 72 hours
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Feb 22 was a cathartic release for his English Premier League leaders after 72 hours in hell.
2 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
US tariff moves spark renewed anxiety among Singapore firms
On paper, US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 15 per cent tariff on all goods entering the country will raise costs for Singapore exporters.
4 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Minor ground motions detected, tremors felt by some in Singapore
Minor ground motions were detected by monitoring stations in Singapore during an earthquake that struck off the Malaysian state of Sabah on Feb 23, and some people here have reported feeling the tremors.
2 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Get ready for Seventeen-themed fan experiences at MBS
Ahead of Seventeen’s March 7 concert at the National Stadium, a number of fan experiences themed around the K-pop boy band will take place again at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
1 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Eliminate 'dead time' to improve traffic flow
I appreciate the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) Green Link Determining (GLIDE) system, which aims to monitor and adjust traffic light timings in real time.
1 mins
February 24, 2026
The Straits Times
Katseye's Manon Bannerman takes break from girl group to focus on health
Swiss singer Manon Bannerman (right) is taking a hiatus from Katseye to focus on her health and well-being, the global girl group announced on Feb 20.
1 mins
February 24, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size