Home/China/Tech & InnovationArticle
Tech & Innovation

DeepSeek imposes surcharge on peak-hour API access after price war

DeepSeek is set to raise prices for its V4 API services, introducing surcharges during peak hours beginning Monday. New rates will climb to 12 yuan per million output tokens, marking a notable shift from the 75% price reduction implemented in May to draw in users.

BRIC Team
By BRIC Team · BRIC.TV
Published Jun 30, 2026 · 1 min read · 36 views
DeepSeek imposes surcharge on peak-hour API access after price war

Key Takeaways

  • •DeepSeek's new pricing for its V4 Pro model will rise to 12 yuan per million output tokens during peak hours starting Monday.
  • •The company previously slashed prices by 75% in May to attract users amid fierce competition.
  • •Peak hours for the new surcharges are set from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Beijing time.
  • •All V4 models will be impacted by the new pricing policy, according to a notice on the company's website.

DeepSeek,a heavyweight in China's AI scene,announced a big price hike for its V4 API services, reversing its earlier tactic that triggered a price war. Starting Monday,surcharges kick in during peak hours — 9 a.m . to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Beijing time,as per a subscriber notice .

It's a bold move for DeepSeek,which slashed prices by 75% back in May to pull in users. Now, accessing its V4 Pro model will cost 12 yuan (around US$1.77) per million output tokens during peak hours,up from 6 yuan off-peak. This change aims to improve service quality.

All V4 models will see this price shift,confirmed separate notice on company's website. DeepSeek's trying to hold its ground amid tough competition,where rivals are cutting prices to snag market share. China's AI market stays fast-paced, with firms always tweaking tactics to keep up…

Related Articles

German chancellor highlights AI potential as Nvidia commits to European investments

German chancellor highlights AI potential as Nvidia commits to European investments

Nvidia plans to invest in four German startups as part of its commitment to Europe's AI sector, announced at the Invest in Germany Summit. Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted AI's potential to enhance Germany's industrial capabilities.

Utkarsh Aggrawal

Oct 20, 2026•6 views
Australia urged to enhance workplace privacy amid rising AI surveillance

Australia urged to enhance workplace privacy amid rising AI surveillance

Australian employers are increasingly using AI and other tech to monitor workers without their knowledge, says the Human Technology Institute. The institute urges stronger privacy protections in workplace laws to tackle this issue.

Daniel Brown

Oct 19, 2026•5 views
AI job losses may disproportionately impact women, echoing past tech shifts

AI job losses may disproportionately impact women, echoing past tech shifts

AI's rise could disproportionately impact women, echoing past technological shifts like automated switchboards and PCs. While AI may eliminate some tasks, it could also enhance job efficiency, offering opportunities for those with higher education to adapt.

James Whiteson

Oct 19, 2026•5 views
Experts urge women's inclusion in AI to prevent widening gender gap

Experts urge women's inclusion in AI to prevent widening gender gap

Experts warn that AI could widen gender inequality in India, where women risk exclusion from decision-making and benefits. With India ranking 131st on the WEF's Global Gender Gap Index, the need for women's inclusion in AI development is urgent to prevent reinforcing existing disparities.

James Whiteson

Oct 18, 2026•2 views
NewSpace tests indigenous RATO booster for Sheshnag-150 loitering munition

NewSpace tests indigenous RATO booster for Sheshnag-150 loitering munition

NewSpace Research and Technologies successfully tested an indigenous RATO booster for the Sheshnag-150 in Bengaluru, advancing India's unmanned aerial capabilities. This development enhances runway-independent launch options, crucial for flexible deployment of long-range strike platforms.

Utkarsh Aggrawal

Oct 18, 2026•3 views
China boosts Hua Hong with state funds for Wuxi fab expansion

China boosts Hua Hong with state funds for Wuxi fab expansion

Hua Hong Semiconductor receives increased state funding to expand its Wuxi fab, focusing on legacy chip production to enhance China's domestic supply chain. This move aims to counter US restrictions and strengthen China's semiconductor self-reliance.

James Whiteson

Oct 16, 2026•8 views