China's AI Model Call Volume Leads for 18 Consecutive Weeks; Zhipu's NiuLai Tops Chart, DeepSeek-V4-Pro Falls Off

China's latest weekly ranking of AI large-model API call volume shows Zhipu's "NiuLai" model jumping to the top of the chart, while DeepSeek-V4-Pro dropped off the list, according to a report from Sina.

The report says China's AI large-model call volume has led the field for 18 consecutive weeks, reflecting sustained demand from developers and enterprises for models in real production workloads. Call-volume rankings track actual API usage rather than marketing claims, making them a direct window into market choice.

NiuLai taking the top spot puts Zhipu in the lead position among the top tier. Ranking shifts are usually tied to capability, pricing, channel availability, and enterprise migration decisions; a change at the top often means enterprise customers are moving to a new model.

DeepSeek-V4-Pro's exit from the chart is equally notable. Having previously been on the list, its fall could signal user attention shifting to newer models, or simply a weekly statistical fluctuation that later charts will clarify.

Unlike benchmark leaderboards, API call volume reflects how models are actually adopted in business scenarios, so weekly position changes are widely read within the industry as a barometer of market momentum.

Eighteen consecutive weeks of leading call volume show that Chinese models have built a stable usage base overall, while competition among top vendors remains fluid, with positions trading places from week to week.

The key questions now are whether Zhipu's NiuLai can hold the top spot, whether DeepSeek will regain share with new versions, and how the reshuffle translates into competition on pricing and ecosystems.