Explosions reported in Markaba, southern Lebanon.

Qingdao Customs: Jan–Jul goods trade totaled 554.87 bln yuan, accounting for 26.1% of Shandong’s trade, up 6.4% YoY — 2.1pp faster than the province. Exports were 337.71 bln yuan, +8.3% YoY; imports 217.16 bln yuan, +3.5% YoY. July trade was 87.75 bln yuan, +10.5% YoY; exports 56.01 bln yuan, +16.3% YoY; imports 31.74 bln yuan, +1.5% YoY.

Aug 14 — SMIC co-CEO Zhao Haijun at the Q2 results meeting said Q3 shipments are expected to rise and pricing to remain stable. Revenue guidance +2–4% QoQ; gross margin guidance 26–28%, which he said should still increase QoQ after absorbing higher Q3 depreciation from new capacity and summer peak power. Utilization including new capacity is expected to remain around 95%, effectively diluting unit fixed costs.