China

Daimler Trucks is building up inventory to address supply problems linked to Chinese export restrictions. Daimler Trucks says it has learned lessons from the chip crisis. Recent export regulations in China are causing concern for the automotive industry. They fear that this will affect supply of rare Earths which is needed to make magnets. Exporters are required to apply for new licenses since April. These licences are being granted slowly. China is the dominant market for raw materials used in various components, from electric motors to the window mechanisms of cars and trucks. Karin Radstrom, CEO of Daimler Truck, told...

Hong Kong's chief executive has said that the stock exchange will be attracting listed companies from Southeast Asia and Middle East for second listings, as it looks to improve its global reputation. Bonnie Chan, a spokesperson for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX), said that the number of mainland China listed companies seeking to list in Hong Kong in order to raise capital in order to fund their global expansions is also increasing. Chan, the first woman CEO of HKEX, said that they are now focusing on companies who have already been listed on other markets, but may have...

The atomic energy agency of Kazakhstan announced on Saturday that Rosatom, Russia's nuclear state corporation, has been selected to lead a consortium for the construction of the first nuclear plant in Kazakhstan. The state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation as well as French or South Korean companies also submitted proposals. Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, which was established in March this year, has said that it has reviewed and evaluated various reactor technologies based on criteria such as nuclear plant safety, training of personnel, and other factors. It said that "the agency determined that the most advantageous and optimal proposals for construction...

The company reported that Pirelli shareholders approved its earnings report for the past year, despite Sinochem's opposition, which is the largest shareholder. The result of the vote indicates that Sinochem's influence over Pirelli, which was restricted by the Italian Government, does not have an effective control over the firm. Sinochem, who owns 37% of Pirelli, and Camfin (the second largest shareholder) have fought over the issue. They claim that the large Chinese presence at Pirelli is a threat to their ambitions to expand in the United States. Sinochem was the sole shareholder who voted against the approval of 2024's annual...

Proxima Fusion is a Munich-based company that specializes in nuclear fusion technologies. It announced on Wednesday that it had raised 130 million Euros ($148.8 Million) to move it closer to its goal to develop a novel power station. Why does it matter? Around the world, dozens are exploring nuclear-fusion technology, which is a newer form of energy generation that harnesses the same intense process that powers our sun. There is fierce competition between private and public companies, governments of European countries, United States, and China and technology options such as Plasma confinement used by Proxima or lasers. The new conservative...

An official from a major industry association said that China's coal exports could fall by as much as 100 million metric tonnes in 2025. This could put global benchmark prices, which are already at multi-year-lows, under even more pressure. The world's biggest consumer, producer and importer of fossil fuels increased imports to a new record of 542.7 millions metric tons by 2024 as lower international prices prompted buyers to substitute imported coal for domestic supply. Xuegang Li (Vice President of China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association) told Coaltrans China on Wednesday that imports could drop by between 50 and 100...

The World Bank lowered its forecast of global growth for 2025 on Tuesday by 0.4 percentage points to 2.3%. It said that increased tariffs and uncertainty were a "significant" headwind for almost all economies. The bank's twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects Report shows that it has lowered its predictions for almost 70% of the world's economies, including the United States and China, Europe, and six emerging markets regions. This is a significant drop from its projections six months earlier, before Donald Trump became president. Trump has upended the global trade system with a series on-again-off-again tariff increases that have raised the...

Two people familiar with the situation said that fashion retailer Shein, along with partner Reliance Retail, plan to expand their Indian suppliers and begin overseas sales of India made Shein branded clothing within six to twelve months. The China-founded, Singapore-headquartered e-commerce firm has been discussing plans with the Indian retailer since before the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese imports that intensified the need to diversify sourcing, the people said. They said the goal is to increase Indian suppliers from 150 to 1,000 within a single year. Shein issued a statement in which it said that its trademark was licensed for...

China, the largest coal importer in the world, reduced its imports by 18% on an annual basis, according to customs data released Friday. Low-cost domestic coal eroded overseas purchases, while renewables slowed down coal-fired electricity generation. According to the General Administration of Customs, imports were 36.04 millions metric tons for the month, down from 43.82million tons in May 2024. This was the third consecutive month that China's imports of coal fell year-over-year. They had increased previously every month from November 2022. January and February were excluded because they are affected by Lunar New Year holidays. The data shows that coal...

Sources said that the Italian government has refused to heed Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli's vice-chairman and executive vice-chairman's request for tighter restrictions on Pirelli's Chinese investor. Sinochem, a Chinese state-owned company, is Pirelli's biggest investor. Sinochem holds 37% of Pirelli while Tronchetti Provera owns 27.3% through its Camfin vehicle. Tronchetti-Provera, the company's CEO for over three decades, is Tronchetti-Provera. Sinochem and Pirelli are at odds, with Camfin claiming that Sinochem's substantial holding is a threat to Pirelli’s ambitions of expanding its business in the United States. Washington has cracked down on Chinese automotive technology by banning software and hardware that...

As concerns grow about the impact of China's new restrictions on mineral exports, some European auto part plants have suspended production. BMW has also warned that its supply network is affected by a shortage of rare earths. China's April decision to suspend the export of rare earths, magnets, and other related products has disrupted supply chains for automakers, aerospace companies, semiconductor firms, and military contractors all over the world. China is using this move to demonstrate its dominance in the mineral industry that is key to green energy and as leverage against the U.S. president Donald Trump. China produces 90%...

The global manufacturers are concerned about China's decision on the export of rare earth alloys, mixtures, and magnets. This is a brief overview of China's policies on rare earths. What are they? The rare earths consist of 17 elements that are silvery white. Magnets are used to power cars, mobile phones, missiles, and other electronic devices. ARE THEY RARE? Although they are not uncommon in the strict sense, they usually occur in small amounts or in mixtures with other minerals making their extraction expensive and difficult. Which country is the largest producer? China produces 90% of rare-earth magnets. It mines...

Investors were cautious as they watched the conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel attacked nuclear targets in Iran on Thursday. Iran then fired missiles and drones into Israel, after an Israeli hospital was hit overnight. U.S. president Donald Trump said he would make a decision on Israel's behalf within the next two week. As of 0103 GMT the most traded copper contract on Shanghai Futures Exchange was down 0.6% at 77,990 Yuan ($10,855.31) a metric ton. This is a 0.3% drop on the previous week. Three-month copper prices on London Metal Exchange were down 0.5%, to $9,571 per ton. Copper...

On Friday, the most traded copper contracts on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SFE) and London Metals Exchange (LME) were in a range as the market sentiment was mixed due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Iran dispute. Israel bombed Iranian nuclear targets on Thursday, and Iran fired missiles or drones towards Israel after it hit an Israeli hospital over night. U.S. president Donald Trump said he would make a decision in the next two week on whether he will get involved with Israel. Metals analysts at a Shanghai futures firm said that a number of issues are affecting the metals...

Greenland granted a permit for a project backed by the European Union to mine molybdenum. This metal is used in aerospace, defence, and energy, and China has placed export restrictions on it. After U.S. president Donald Trump expressed interest in buying it earlier this summer, the resource-rich Arctic Island has seen increased activity in its mining industry over the last month. The government of Greenland said that the permit was given to Toronto-listed Greenland Resources, a company supported by the European Raw Material Alliance and which holds the license to the Malmbjerg Project in eastern Greenland. According to the company,...

Four sources familiar with plans say that European Union leaders are planning to use their summit with China in the coming month to push for better access to Chinese minerals and rare earths. The two sides will also be tackling a range of tariff issues. China has held a near-monopoly in rare earth production for years. After the announcement of tariffs by U.S. president Donald Trump on April 2, China increased its export controls for the minerals in response to demand from automakers and the defence industry, as well as producers of renewable energies. China has also complained to the...

London metals prices dropped on Thursday due to a stronger dollar, while markets were focused on the developments in Israel-Iran. As of 0715 GMT, the LME's 3-month copper price was down by 0.52%, at $9,605 a metric ton. LME aluminium fell 0.6% to 2,532, while tin dropped 0.8% at $32,100. Zinc also declined 0.8%, to $2615.5. Lead dipped 0.18% to $1,989.5. Nickel was unchanged at $15,050. Dollar strengthened, buoyed up by demand for safe-haven assets due to the threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East with possible U.S. participation. Greenback prices of commodities are usually more expensive when...

The iron ore futures price ended a five-day loss streak on Thursday, amid increased steel production in the world's largest consumer China. However, gains were partly offset by a prolonged crisis on China's real estate market that continued to weigh down on demand prospects. The September contract for iron ore on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange closed at 698 Yuan ($97.07), up by 0.43%. As of 0703 GMT, the benchmark July Iron Ore traded on Singapore Exchange was up 0.6% at $92.95 per ton. Mysteel, a consultancy, reported that the daily consumption of iron ore fines for sintering increased by 2.4%...

China's imports of iron ore are expected to be their highest month in this year in June, a sign of resilience not mirrored by the steel industry's sluggishness. According to analysts LSEG & Kpler, China is expected to import nearly 110 million metric tonnes of this key raw material for steel. Kpler estimates that 109.56 millions tons of cargo will arrive in June, while LSEG predicts 109.1million. It would be an increase of about 11% over May's official imported 98.13 millions tons, and the best month since December's 112,49 million tons which was the second highest on record. Why are...

The copper price remained stable on Wednesday, due to the softer dollar in anticipation of the Federal Reserve's decision on U.S. Interest Rates. However, the escalating conflict in the Middle East with its impact on demand and growth dominated the mood. At 1001 GMT, the benchmark copper price on London Metal Exchange was up by 0.2% to $9,691 per metric tonne. Traders said that metals activity is low as the Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision in a few hours and the U.S. market closed for Juneteenth on Thursday. The oil prices have risen in the last few...

Iron ore futures declined on Wednesday, and were on course for a fifth consecutive session of declines. This was due to a slowdown in demand for steelmaking materials from China, the top consumer. The day-traded price of the most traded September iron ore contract at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange was 695.5 Yuan ($96.79). As of 0702 GMT, the benchmark July Iron Ore traded on Singapore Exchange fell 0.41% to $82.4 per ton. "Iron ore price fell below $93 per ton, as China's demand continues to slow." The demand from China will likely remain weak due to the ongoing slowdown of...

Hindustan Zinc (India's largest producer of refined metal) has approved a 120 billion rupees (1,39 billion dollars) project to increase capacity. The miner announced this on Tuesday. The company plans to build a 250-kilo-tonne (KT) metals complex in Rajasthan, a state in northern India where it operates a zinc smelter. This (project) is only the beginning of a larger plan. We will release more parts within a month or so," said CEO Arun misra, adding that the company aims to double its production from 1.02 MT to 2 MT per year. The company has said that it will use its...

U.S. president Donald Trump said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stayed in Canada for the G7 summit, and suggested Japan is being "tough' in trade negotiations and the European Union has not yet offered him what he considered to be a fair deal. Trump left early from the G7 to deal with the developments in the Middle East. The president told reporters that the EU has been very tough with the United States over the years. Trump said, "We are talking but I do not feel they have offered a fair offer yet." "They will either make a fair deal,...

The prices of metals fell in London on Tuesday due to a stronger U.S. Dollar and the escalating tensions with Israel and Iran. As of 0246 GMT, the London Metal Exchange reported that three-month copper was down by 0.3%, at $9,677 a metric ton. LME aluminium fell by 0.2%, to $2 508 per ton. Zinc dropped 0.4%, to $2 646, while lead dropped 0.5%, to $1 996.50, and nickel fell 0.4%, to $15 005. Tin fell 0.3% to $32,505. Metals prices fell this morning as a result of the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to a Singapore-based metals dealer....