Sales in Shanghai's high-tech industry surged by 18.8 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, highlighting the city's robust economic momentum, according to VAT data released by the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service on July 24.

Core digital industries grew by 8.4 percent, while corporate IT service procurement rose by 14.7 percent.

The industrial robotics sector saw a modest 3.8 percent increase, whereas the specialized robotics segment recorded an impressive 52.7 percent year-on-year jump.

Artificial intelligence remains a key driver of high-quality development. The Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center — one of China's first incubators for large-scale AI models — is now home to more than 200 enterprises, reinforcing the city's growing influence as a global AI hub.

The manufacturing sector as a whole recorded a 2.7 percent increase in sales. Within this, equipment manufacturing rose by 7.9 percent, digital product manufacturing jumped by 28.4 percent, and high-tech manufacturing grew by 25.2 percent.

Among the standout performers is Shanghai Bloom Technology Inc, which saw its net profit exceed 220 million yuan ($30.69 million) in the first six months, marking a 123.09 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Chairman Zhang Linglong attributed this growth to advanced technologies, global market expansion, and favorable policies.

Capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative, Bloom secured overseas orders exceeding 600 million yuan by the end of June.

Another key contributor is Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Co Ltd, which continues to expand the role of domestic chips in both daily life and industrial applications.

Its technologies now support functions such as touch-based payments, high-end liquor authentication, and electric vehicle control systems.

The company invests more than 1 billion yuan annually in research and development, about 30 percent of its operating revenue. It benefited from 180 million yuan in tax incentives in 2024.

Source: Shanghai Observer