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Financial Times - April 24
These are the most popular stories from the Financial Times. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch their accuracy. Headlines UK announces final approval for flagship carbon-capture project Davos founder accused by World Economic Forum of manipulating research Bailey: BoE must "take seriously" the risk of Trump tariffs to growth London Metal Exchange to introduce premium for green metals View the full article The UK government and Italian energy giant Eni will announce the final approval for a 38 mile pipeline that will collect carbon dioxide from industrial facilities around Liverpool and Manchester, and bury it off-shore. The World Economic Forum's founder Klaus Schwab is accused of manipulating the research conducted by his organisation to curry favor with governments. Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England (BoE), said that the BoE must "take seriously" any risks posed to the growth of the economy by Donald Trump's policies on tariffs. He also indicated that the central banks was likely to reduce interest rates during its next meeting due to the uncertainty surrounding global trade. London Metal Exchange has drawn up plans to introduce a "green premium" for metals mined sustainably. This is in response to industry pressures aimed at distinguishing these from "dirty", more environmentally damaging supplies.
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Dalian iron ore at three-week high due to seasonal demand and US-China trade talks hopes
Dalian iron ore Futures reached their highest level in almost three weeks on March 13, boosted by the hopes that U.S. China trade talks will be successful and seasonal demand for this steelmaking ingredient. The price of the most traded September iron ore contract at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange grew by 2.11%, finishing at 727.5 Yuan ($99.73). In the early part of the session, prices reached 731 yuan - their highest level since April 3. As of 0708 GMT, the benchmark May iron ore traded on Singapore Exchange was 1.61 % higher at $100.2 per ton. In a recent note, Galaxy Futures said that the steel production in China continues to grow and that downstream demand has increased for building materials. "Increased purchases by mills and reduced imports have depleted inventories of iron ore," said ANZ. Mysteel, a consultancy, reported that the stocks of five major carbon products held by Chinese mills had fallen 5% week-on-week on April 17. It attributed this decline to the resilient domestic demand for steel. ANZ added that while China's property indicators have improved, the prospects for a significant recovery are still bleak. Hopes of a reduction in tensions over trade between the United States, and China also boosted sentiment. U.S. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent stated on Tuesday that the trade tensions between China and the United States will be eased, but he called future negotiations a "slog", which hasn't yet begun. U.S. president Donald Trump expressed his optimism that he could make significant progress with China in order to lower their tariffs. India imposed on Monday a temporary 12% tariff on certain steel imports. This is known locally as a "safeguard duty" and was aimed at curbing a rush of cheap shipments coming from China. Coking coal and coke, which are used to make steel, also increased in price, by 2.56% and 3.14 %, respectively. The benchmark steel prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose. Rebar rose by 1.46%. Hot-rolled coil was up 1.41%. Stainless steel and wire rod both increased by 0.39%. $1 = 7.2948 Chinese Yuan (Reporting and editing by Eileen Soreng; Michele Pek)
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Sources say Sinopec has resumed its Russian oil purchases after a short break amid sanctions risk
Sinopec, Asia’s largest refiner, has resumed its purchases of Russian crude oil following a short pause in last month to assess the risks posed by sanctions imposed on Russian entities by the United States, according to trade sources on Wednesday. Sources said that Unipec, a trading division of China's state run Sinopec, had purchased Russian Far East ESPO blend oil for May loading, after being absent from the March and April loading ESPO cargoes. Unipec's decision to resume purchases was not immediately apparent. Sinopec didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Sources claim that the number of cargoes purchased by Unipec is significantly lower than it was before the January announcement. On January 10, the former Biden administration imposed harsh sanctions against Russian oil producers Gazprom and Surgutneftegaz, as well as insurers and over 100 vessels in order to reduce Moscow's revenue. Last month, it was reported that sanctions had caused a drop in Russian oil exports from China and India while Chinese state oil companies Sinopec Zhenhua Oil and Zhenhua Oil stopped purchasing Russian oil. Traders said that ESPO blend oil cargoes loaded in May were trading at a premium of around $2 per barrel over the ICE Brent benchmark, on a shipped basis to China. Reporting by Siyi Liu and Florence Tan in Singapore, Editing by Andrew Heavens and Kirby Donovan
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Markets take stock of Trump’s U-turns and the relief rally is stuttering
Investors struggled to sort through the noise of the Trump administration, its erratic stance on tariffs, and the Federal Reserve leadership. This week, U.S. president Donald Trump attacked Fed chair Jerome Powell. He then retracted his calls for the resignation of the chair, leaving investors in the dark about the final state of tariffs against China, despite the many headlines. A source said on Wednesday that, in the event of talks with Beijing, the Trump administration may consider lowering tariffs for imported Chinese products. This follows a Wall Street Journal article which stated that Trump's White House was considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said later that such a step would not be taken unilaterally. He was echoing remarks made by White House spokesperson KarolineLeavitt. I don't believe you'll ever be able to get used the flip-flopping and haphazard behavior we've seen. Tony Sycamore is a market analyst for IG. He said that it was extreme. "I think Trump is like that - he wants the best levers and he doesn't fear trying anything. He's not afraid to walk it back either if it fails." MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index outside Japan fell by 0.17%. This was in contrast to the Wall Street trend, which saw stocks rise on Wednesday amid hopes of a de-escalation in Sino-U.S. tensions. The Nasdaq 500 and S&P500 futures each rose by about 0.2%. The EuroStoxx 50 futures rose 0.16%. Japan's Nikkei gained 0.86%. NHK reported that the Trump administration informed Japan's trade delegation it couldn't give Japan a special treatment in regards to its tariff measures. This was in response Tokyo's demand for a revision during this month's ministerial talks. Salman Ahmed is the global head of strategic asset allocation and macro at Fidelity. He said: "Short-term volatilities are quite extreme. This high volatility will continue. You have elevated volatility moving forward because the fundamental rules of the game, the economic world, are changing." Ahmed said this on the sidelines the IMAS Investment Conference 2025 and Masterclass in Singapore. Investor confidence in U.S. asset prices remained fragile, and the dollar dropped on Thursday after a week of gains on Trump's U turn on firing Powell. The dollar dropped 0.15% against the yen to 143.24. The euro rose 0.15%, to $1.1331. Meanwhile, the Swiss franc increased by 0.2%. The 30-year yield was little changed, at 4.3675 percent. Trump's change of heart on Powell appeared to lessen the threat to the U.S. fiscal and monetary credibility. The benchmark 10-year rate was down by about 2 basis points, to 4.3675%. Beth Hammack, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, said that on Wednesday there is still a lot of uncertainty about the future. She urged the central bank to be cautious in its monetary policy and to monitor the economy's performance. The markets are expecting a rate cut of about 80 basis points by December. Oil prices have stabilized in other markets after a drop in the previous session. Sources said that OPEC+ will consider accelerating their oil production increases in June. Brent crude futures rose 0.2% to $66.26 per barrel while U.S. Crude also increased 0.18% to 62.38 per barrel. Gold continued its march towards a new record high. The yellow metal rose 1.2% to $3,329.03 per ounce.
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Oil prices steady after 2% decline on possible OPEC+ production increase
Oil prices rose early on Thursday, after falling by nearly 2% the previous day. Investors weighed a possible OPEC+ production increase against contradictory tariff signals from White House as well as ongoing U.S. Iran nuclear talks. Brent crude futures gained 6 cents or 0.09% to $66.18 per barrel at 0038 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude rose 7 cents or 0.11% to $62.34 per barrel. The previous trading session saw prices fall 2% after it was reported that three sources familiar with OPEC+ discussions said several OPEC+ member countries will suggest to the group that they increase oil production for a second consecutive month in June. The members had a dispute over the production quotas. Prices rose on signs that U.S.-China trade talks could be nearing completion. The Wall Street Journal reported the White House was willing to reduce its tariffs against China by as much as 50% to start negotiations. Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury secretary said that the current tariffs of 145% for Chinese products and 125% for U.S. goods were not sustainable. He did not give a specific number but he stated that they would need to be reduced before any trade talks could take place between both sides. White House Press Secretary Karoline leavitt told Fox News in an interview on Wednesday that the tariffs on Chinese goods would not be reduced unilaterally. Rystad analysts believe that a prolonged U.S. China trade war would cut China's growth in oil demand by half, to 90,000. barrels per day. The Financial Times reported that Trump was also considering tariff exemptions for imports of car parts from China. The U.S. will meet with Iran for a third round this weekend to discuss a possible agreement that would impose restrictions on Tehran's nuclear enrichment program. This could put downward pressure on the oil price. The market is looking for signs that a U.S. and Iran rapprochement may lead to a easing of sanctions against Iran oil, which would boost supply. The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Iran's oil sector on Tuesday, a move that was criticized by the Iranian foreign ministry as demonstrating a lack of "goodwill and seriousness" in regards to dialogue with Tehran. (Reporting Colleen Waye; Editing Sonali Paul).
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Albanese, an Australian company, pledges to establish a strategic reserve for critical minerals
The Australian centre-left Labor Government pledged on Thursday an initial investment A$1.2 billion (roughly $763 million) in order to establish a strategic reserve for critical minerals. It is looking to create a different supply chain within a Chinese dominated market. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the reserve, which is expected to be established in nine days, would use the mineral deposits of the country and increase its economic resilience. Albanese stated in a press release that "we need to do more" with the natural resources needed by the world, which Australia can provide. After President Donald Trump imposed tariffs against Chinese goods, China placed restrictions on exports of minerals that are vital for everything from smartphones to EV batteries and infrared weapons. This has squeezed supply to the West. China is the top producer in the world of 30 out of 50 critical minerals, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Australia also has some of its largest deposits of critical minerals. Albanese stated that the government will buy minerals critical to commercial projects, or create an option for a set price and hold security over assets. The government will establish stockpiles for some minerals produced in accordance with offtake agreements. Albanese stated that "it will allow us to deal with market and trade disruptions in a stronger position, as Australia will have access to a significant amount of resources for global demand." Minerals from the strategic reserve will be available to key domestic and international partners. Albanese stated that a task force would be formed to finalise and consult on the scope and design for the strategic reserve. This reserve is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2026.
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Petrobras Board approves agreement with Unigel for fertilizer plants
Petrobras, the state-run Brazilian oil company, said that its board of directors had authorized it to sign a settlement agreement with Unigel Chemical Company to settle a legal dispute over two fertilizer factories in northeastern Brazil. Petrobras stated in a filing of securities that the agreement would restore Petrobras ownership over two fertilizer factories located in Sergipe state and Bahia state. Petrobras announced that the plants would resume operations after a process of bidding to contract for services to operate and to maintain them. The deal, however, still needs to be approved internally within Unigel, and it must also meet certain conditions before taking effect. Unigel didn't immediately respond to an outside of normal business hours request for comment. Petrobras leased two nitrogen fertilizer factories to Unigel under a 10-year contract in 2019. Unigel has shut down both plants since 2023 citing high gas prices as the reason for their closure. Both companies are involved in arbitration related to their lease agreement, which includes disagreements about the shutdown of the operations, Unigel’s investments and gas supply terms. Announcement comes after Report on Friday According to sources, the Petrobras board approved plans to select partners to restart operations at fertilizer plants. (Reporting andre Romani, additional reporting by Roberto Samora).
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The rosy outlook of chipmaker TI soothes tariff concerns for the moment
Texas Instruments announced a second-quarter revenue forecast that was above Wall Street expectations on Wednesday. The company attributed this to a robust demand for analog chips, despite the fact that the threat of U.S. Tariffs has created uncertainty in the semiconductor industry. TI shares rose more than 5% after-hours following the announcement. This was the first major U.S. semiconductor company to provide an outlook this earnings season. The stock price had dropped over 17% this year due to macroeconomic worries and trade tensions. LSEG data shows that TI estimates revenue for the quarter ending June between $4.17 and $4.53 Billion, compared to analysts' average estimate $4.10 Billion. The earnings per share is projected to be between $1.21-$1.47, which is also higher than the average estimate. Kinngai Chang, senior analyst with Summit Insights Group, says that the positive forecast is driven by "cyclical demand recovery" and possible tariff pull-ins. Haviv Ilan, the CEO of Haviv Group, sounded a cautionary note. On a call after earnings, Haviv Ilan said, "We'll have to wait and see" what happens in the second half 2025, as well as into 2026. He cited ongoing uncertainty regarding tariff policy. According to an April notice by the Chinese main semiconductor association, while President Trump has exempted for now semiconductors from further levies and tariffs, Beijing has imposed high tariffs on U.S. made chips. Analysts asked Ilan if customers were stockpiling the chips in anticipation of expected taxes. I would guess that in a time of uncertainty, you might want to stock up on a bit more inventory. He said. Tore Svanberg, Stifel's analyst, noted that it may be too soon to determine the impact of the increased tariffs and escalating Sino U.S. Trade tensions on the chip company and the industry as a whole due to the ongoing tariff negotiations. CHINA WORRIES TI, a company with significant manufacturing capacity in America, derives about a quarter of its revenue annually from China. This makes it vulnerable to ongoing tit for tat tariffs between Beijing & Washington. Ilan stated that the company could use its manufacturing facility in China to meet any needs. Since years, the legacy chipmakers have worked to adopt a “China-for China” policy. They set up fabs to meet domestic demand in the face of escalating tensions. TI is facing stiff competition in China, where state subsidies have boosted the production of mature-node chips. Ilan stated that "the competition in China has intensified." (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
Andy Home: Congo conflict double trouble for the global tin industry
Alphamin Resources' decision suspending operations at the Bisie Tin Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the fragility of the global tin supply chain.
As the M23 rebels advance deeper into Congo's mineral-rich Kivu Provinces, one of the largest tin mining operations in the world is returning to Myanmar after a long absence.
Tin's supply volatility is once again generating price volatility. On the news, London Metal Exchange's three-month tin soared 11.5% and reached a three-year high price of $37100 per metric tonne.
The Congo conflict is a serious problem for the global market. Not only are units being lost, but also the transparency of the artisanal production in the region.
SUPPLY-CHAIN INFLUENCE
The Bisie mine produced around 17,300 tonnes of contained tin in the past year. This represents about 6% of the global mine supply.
Alphamin Resources is ramping up production at what was formerly an artisanal mining site. The company aims to produce 20,000 tons of ore this year before suspending operations.
It has been a major supplier of raw materials to China's smelters since August 2023, when the Man Maw Mine in Myanmar was suspended. Wa State authorities, who control Man Maw, have opened the process of issuing new mining licenses to signal its imminent restart.
It will take months to resume operations after such a lengthy closure, and the loss of Bisie at the same time compounds China's immediate raw material challenge.
China's refined-tin production is remarkably resilient, despite the loss in feed from Man Maw. According to the International Tin Association, in 2024 national output increased by 4.6% on an annual basis.
The ITA attributed the growth to an unprecedented use of scrap that fueled a 14.9% increase in secondary production year-over-year, as well as the reduction of concentrates stock.
Shanghai Metal Market, a local data provider, describes historically low conversion rates as a result of the reduced inventories.
The market's reaction to the suspension of Bisie suggests that it expects an impact on the world's biggest producer of refined Tin.
Transparency is lost
Alphamin's move to evacuate non-essential personnel from Bisie is a sign that the M23 rebels have advanced beyond the city of Goma, which they captured on the eastern border of the Congo.
By March 12, the insurgents had reached a distance of 125 km from the mine in the Walikale District of North Kivu.
The group is moving through a region rich in minerals, where Bisie is the sole official tin producer. The rest of Congo's production is produced by artisanal cooperatives.
According to the Congo Ministry of Mines, Alphamin exports 27,000 tons and the unofficial sector, 16,000 tons. Of these, 3,300 tons are from North Kivu and South Kivu.
Kivu has been used as a test bed for years to integrate responsible artisanal production in the global supply chains, not only for tin, but also tantalum and tungsten. ITSCi is the organisation that is responsible for ensuring compliance with OECD conflict mineral rules. ITSCi was born out of the ITA, and now is backed jointly by the Tantalum Niobium International Studies Centre. ITSCi, according to a report dated February 28, had suspended certain activities like inspecting sites and tagging the production in "some areas but not all" of North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces.
It is difficult to tell what is going on in the unofficial industry, assuming that work continues at all. This raises the risk that tin from an expanding conflict zone could be illegally exported into the official supply chain.
REPUTATIONAL RISK
This would be a blow to the years of effort spent convincing end users such as Apple Inc. that minerals from Congo can be produced responsibly, even in the artisanal industry. The ITSCi program is not without critics. It is at the centre of a lawsuit filed by the Congolese Government against Apple subsidiaries located in France and Belgium.
The metal of the future, tin, is at risk of regaining the problematic conflict mineral label of the past if there are no checks on the amount of tin produced or where it goes in the unofficial sector of the Kivu Region.
The more M23 rebels advance into the Kivu region the greater the risk for the market and its reputation. The M23 rebels' withdrawal at the last minute from negotiations with the government indicates that they have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for.
(source: Reuters)