Global electric vehicle sales increased by 9% year-on-year in July 2026, reaching 1.85 million units. This rise contributed to a total of 11.5 million vehicles sold worldwide during the first seven months of the year, representing a 4% growth compared to 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence disclosed the latest figures on Aug. 13. Their data covers both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. July also marked the fifth consecutive month of annual growth in global EV demand after a sluggish start to 2026.

South Korea’s automobile exports hit US$6.24 billion in July 2026, reflecting a 7.0% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure sets a new record for July exports. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the export total exceeded the previous July record of US$5.90 billion, established in 2023. In comparison, exports in July 2025 were valued at US$5.83 billion. Additionally, domestic vehicle sales grew by 0.5% to reach 139,000 units, and production climbed 11.3% to 352,000 vehicles.

Diesel prices remained high as supply constraints in refined products continued to exert upward pressure on fuel markets across the United States and Europe. U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures surged by 7.4% on Monday, closing at $4.19 per gallon, marking their largest single-day increase since July 13. Early Wednesday trading saw the contract near $4.28 per gallon, while European diesel refining margins stayed at historically elevated levels after nearly a 10% increase on Monday.

Gold extended its upward momentum for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, building on the sharp rebound seen last week. Spot gold increased 1% to $4,432.74 an ounce by 0217 GMT, reaching its highest point since June 5 and surpassing the seven-week peak achieved last week. U.S. gold futures also rose 1.7% to $4,492.60. This rally followed gains on Friday and Monday as global bullion markets responded to U.S. economic indicators and interest-rate outlooks.