East Asia








Energy Markets

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels

Teck Resources aims to boost output for metal-metal germanium chipmaking

Doug Brown, Teck Resources' VP of communications and government affairs, explained that the company is looking at options to increase production of germanium. This metal is crucial to chipmaking and Teck is in talks with various governments including Canada and United States about funding. Teck's plan is part of a growing effort to diversify the supply of minerals critical to the tech and defense sectors. Trade barriers and geopolitical tensions are making it difficult to access materials produced or refined mainly in China. He said, "We are looking at options and support from the market to increase production capacity of...

Environment

Eni unveils plant to recycle plastic waste chemically

Versalis is the chemical division of the Italian energy company Eni. On Thursday, Versalis unveiled a new demonstration plant for the chemical recycling mixed plastic waste based on its proprietary technology. The technology, called 'Hoop,' allows for the conversion of mixed plastic waste to a material which can be used in order to create new plastic materials that are suitable for any application, including packaging intended to come into contact with food and pharmaceutical packaging. The move is part a larger strategy by the state-controlled company to revamp its losing chemical business. The high cost of energy and raw materials,...

Fossil Fuels

European truckmakers address rare-earths shortage with stockpiling and supply chain changes

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...

Fossil Fuels

Orsted prefers to invest more in Taiwan and South Korea than in new markets in Asia.

Orsted, world's largest offshore wind developer will increase its investment in Taiwan and South Korea, where it already has projects. Instead of expanding into new markets in Asia a senior official at the company said on Monday. The Danish company has lost around 80% of the value of its stock market since its peak in 2021 due to rising costs, disruptions in supply chains and a loss of investor trust in offshore wind. Per Mejnert Kristensen is Orsted's Asia-Pacific President. He spoke on the sidelines at the Energy Asia2025 conference. Orsted, which is the largest offshore developer in terms of...

Oil & Gas

Hong Kong wants to attract Southeast Asia and Middle East companies for second listings

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...

Fossil Fuels

Kazakh agency reports that Rosatom will lead consortium for first nuclear power plant to be built in Kazakhstan

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...

Oil & Gas

Pirelli investors support 2024 earnings report in spite of Sinochem's opposition

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...

Environment

German nuclear fusion company Proxima raises development funding of 130 million Euros

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...

Coal

Industry group claims that China's coal imports may drop up to 100,000,000 tons by 2025.

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...

Fossil Fuels

World Bank cuts global growth forecast due to trade tensions

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...

Oil & Gas Refining

Shein and Reliance plan to export Indian-made clothing abroad within one year, according to sources

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...

Fossil Fuels

China's coal imports in May fell 18% due to cheap domestic coal and renewable energy

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...

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Oil plunges and stocks rise after Trump Middle East pause

The stock markets rose on Friday, while oil was headed for its largest daily drop since April as President Donald Trump delayed a decision about U.S. involvement in the Israel/Iran conflict. This week, the Middle East has again been a major factor in the top world indexes. The main European bourses all rose between 0.5%-1.4% after similar gains in Asia. However, it was still unclear whether this would be enough for MSCI to avoid a second consecutive weekly loss. Israel bombed Iranian targets and Iran fired missiles against Israel overnight, as the war that has been going on for a...

Crude Oil

Oil prices fall, but stocks rise after Trump's Middle East pause

The stock markets rose on Friday, while oil was close to its largest daily decline since April as President Donald Trump delayed a decision about U.S. involvement in the Israel/Iran conflict. This week, the Middle East has again been a major factor in the top world indexes. All of Europe's major bourses rose between 0.5% and 1% following similar gains in Asia. However, it was still up for grabs whether this would be enough to stop MSCI's world index from suffering a second consecutive weekly loss. Israel bombed Iranian targets and Iran fired missiles against Israel overnight, as the war...

Crude Oil

Brent falls as Trump considers military action against Iran

Asian shares rose on Friday, as investors were relieved that the threat of an imminent U.S. strike on Iran had been averted for the time being. This weighed on Brent oil and dollar prices. Israel has bombed Iranian nuclear targets overnight, while Iran has fired missiles and drones towards Israel. The war, which began a week ago, is intensifying, with neither side showing any signs of an end. The White House announced that President Donald Trump would decide within the next two week whether or not the U.S. is going to get involved in Israel-Iran conflict. Some of the MAGA...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

After Congo extended its export ban, China cobalt prices hit a 3-month high.

The price of cobalt in the top consumer China rose to a three-month high Monday as the Democratic Republic of Congo extended its export ban, rekindling supply concerns. Congo, world's largest cobalt producer, has extended its ban for another three months, after having imposed a four month restriction in February, to reduce the oversupply of this material used in electric vehicle batteries. The cobalt futures contract with the most activity on China's Wuxi Stainless Steel Exchange rose more than 9%, reaching its highest level since March 14, at 254 yuan (US$35.34) a kilogram. Analysts at Guosen Metal stated that "the...

Mineral Resources

Copper prices fall on geopolitical unrest

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...

Mineral Resources

Copper prices are soaring on the back of geopolitical unrest

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...

Mineral Resources

Greenland grants EU-backed critical Metals Project Permit to Mine

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,...

Mineral Resources

The European Union is prioritizing rare earth access at the China summit

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...

Mineral Resources

London metals prices ease due to dollar strength and Middle East conflict

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...

Mineral Resources

Dalian Iron Ore Gains after Five Days on Firming China Steel Production

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%...

Mineral Resources

China's imports of iron ore are rising even as steel is struggling: Russell

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...

Mineral Resources

Trump's role in the Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel is significant

The companies confirmed that Nippon Steel completed its $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel on Wednesday. This confirms the unusual power of the Trump administration, after 18 months of struggle by the Japanese company to complete the acquisition. Nippon purchased 100% of U.S. Steel's shares for $55 each, just as it had stated in its initial offer to buy the well-known, struggling steelmaker back in December 2023. The filing reveals details of an agreement signed with the Trump Administration, giving President Donald Trump authority to name board members and a non-economic share. Eiji Hashimoto thanked Trump and said that Nippon...

Mineral Resources

Copper prices steady before Fed decision; focus on Middle East

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...

Mineral Resources

China's slowdown in demand for iron ore has led to a further decline in the price of iron ore

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...

Mineral Resources

Mitsubishi increases prices on new US cars by an average of 2.1%

Mitsubishi Motors announced on Tuesday that it would be increasing the prices of U.S. cars by an average 2.1%. This is the latest automaker who has passed on cost increases to the consumers due to the Trump Administration's tariffs. In April, President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on imports of cars from Japan and almost all other countries. This prompted Mitsubishi to suspend its deliveries to U.S. dealerships. The Japanese automaker said that it resumed these deliveries last week. Mitsubishi explained that the 2.1% increase in average weighted prices, effective on Wednesday, "is a result of our ongoing and...