China AI Token Demand Surges 28.13T Weekly, Driving Shift to Time-Based Pricing

China's AI models consumed 28.13 trillion tokens weekly, leading to shortages. Major providers like Kimi and DeepSeek are transitioning from pay-per-use to dynamic, time-based subscription and peak-valley pricing models.

Woofun AI data shows that China's large AI models consumed 28.13 trillion tokens between July 27 and August 2, maintaining the global top position for fourteen consecutive weeks. Supply platforms report rapid demand growth with periodic shortages, prompting a strategic shift from pay-per-use to dynamic pricing. Kimi has launched four monthly subscription tiers ranging from 39 yuan to 559 yuan, while DeepSeek plans to raise open API service prices and introduce "peak-valley pricing," doubling costs during daily peak hours from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.