German think tank ZEW said the positive trend in expectations in August has further consolidated, possibly linked to solid quarterly earnings and recently elevated export levels.

On Aug 17 the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to institute a Section 337 investigation into certain transformers and their components. The action follows a July 16, 2026 petition by U.S. firm AyrEnergy alleging Section 337 violations and seeking a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders. Named respondents are Zetwerk Manufacturing (India and U.S.), KRYFS Power Components (India) and Unimacts Global (U.S.).

Aug 17 — A delegation from the Shenzhen Aerospace Technology Innovation Institute held talks with Commercial Rocket Co., a unit of China Aerospace Science and Technology Group (CASC), to advance cooperation in the commercial space sector. Both parties agreed to back CASC strategic directives and jointly support construction of the commercial launch-vehicle industry chain. Planned cooperation focuses on integrated development across launch vehicles, launch sites and telemetry/tracking systems, joint research, participation in launch-site layout studies, and accelerated implementation of collaboration projects and institute–enterprise partnerships.