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China's steel exports in the first four months of 2018 are at a record high, despite tariff tensions
China's exports of steel in April exceeded 10 million metric tonnes for the second consecutive month, bringing the total over the first four-month period to a new record high. This was largely due to the fact that shipments were made ahead of the hefty tariffs announced by U.S. president Donald Trump. Customs data released on Friday showed that the world's biggest steel exporter and producer shipped 10,46 million tons last month. Exports were up 13.5% from the same period in 2024, despite being largely unchanged since March. Exports between January and April increased by 8.2% compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of 37.89 millions tons. "Steel Exports in April were a little higher than we expected, but still maintained positive annual growth. This was supported by the sustained front-loading of orders observed," Jiang Mengtian said, an analyst based in Shanghai at Horizon Insights. Jiang predicted that May shipments would slow down as tariffs and trade protectionionism began to bite. Washington's tariffs are threatening the transshipment business, in which third countries resell Chinese Steel to the U.S. Meanwhile, China's biggest steel customers, like South Korea and Vietnam, have also imposed duty to prevent steel from being rerouted or dumped on their markets. Eight analysts and traders said earlier this week that second-quarter exports could fall as much as five percent from the first quarter. IRON ORE Imports of iron ore from China in April rose by 9.8% compared to March, reaching their highest level since December. Improved margins prompted mills to book additional seaborne cargoes. Last month, the world's biggest iron ore consumer imported 103.14 millions tons of this key ingredient for steelmaking. This is up from a low of 93.97 in March. The volume of last month was 1.3% more than the 101.82 millions tons in April 2024. Pei Hao is an analyst with international brokerage Freight Investor Services. The data revealed that China's imports of iron ore fell 5.5% in the first four month of this year compared to the same period last year. They reached 388.36 millions tons. (Reporting and editing by Amy Lv, Lewis Jackson)
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China's imports of unwrought copper to the US were flat in April, despite pre-tariff shipments.
Data from the General Administration of Customs on Friday showed that China's imports of copper, including unwrought and finished products, were the same as last year at 438,000 metric tonnes, despite the fact that suppliers had rushed to ship to the United States in order to avoid impending tariffs. The data shows that copper imports for the first four-month period of 2025 were down 3.9%, at 1,74 million tonnes. Analysts expect China's strong demand for copper to drive up the amount of industrial metal imported. This month, however, the flow to the U.S. of copper in anticipation of U.S. tariffs on imports has kept China's exports flat. This has led to a rise in U.S. COMEX Stocks reached 156,623 tonnes on Wednesday, an increase of 61% from the end of March, and their highest level since October 2018. The Shanghai Future Exchange's copper inventories in China fell 60% in April compared to the previous month, reaching 89,307 tons by the end of the period, the steepest drop on record. Customs data shows that imports of copper concentrate were 2.92 million tonnes in April, a 25% increase on the previous year.
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Oil prices rise ahead of Sino-US Trade Meeting
Oil prices rose slightly on Friday after increasing about 3% the previous session as trade tensions between the top oil consumers U.S.A. and China began to ease and Britain announced an "important" trade agreement with the United States. Brent crude rose by 23 cents or 0.37% to $63.07 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas intermediate crude gained 21 cents or 0.35% at $60.12 a barrel as of 0507 GMT. Both contracts closed Thursday with gains of nearly 3%. U.S. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng of China will meet in Switzerland on 10 May to resolve trade disputes which have threatened the growth in crude oil consumption. If the two countries agree to start formal negotiations on trade and to lower their tariffs, while continuing talks, the markets would get a break and crude prices could rise another $2 to $3 per barrel, said Vandana, founder of oil analysis provider Vanda Insights. Customs data released on Friday showed that China's exports grew faster than expected, and imports slowed their declines. This gives Beijing some relief before the icebreaker tariff talks this weekend with the U.S. Separately U.S. president Donald Trump and British prime minister Keir starmer announced Britain agreed to lower tariffs for U.S. imported goods to 1.8%, from 5.1%. The U.S. reduced duties on British cars, but retained a 10% duty on most other goods. Hari said that any further U.S. deals with major trading partners after the UK deal would only have a marginal effect on oil sentiment. OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (or OPEC) and its allies plan to boost production in other countries. This could maintain pressure on the oil price. According to a survey, OPEC's oil production fell in April due to lower output in Venezuela, Libya and Iraq. A tightening of U.S. sanctions against Iran could limit supply and drive prices up. Sources told Thursday that sanctions on two small Chinese oil refiners who bought Iranian crude made it hard for them to get crude, and caused them to try to sell the product under other names. The Indian army reported that Pakistani forces had launched "multiple" attacks along India's western border during the night of Thursday and into Friday morning, as the conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors intensified. Rystad Energy analysts expect both countries to increase crude purchases and refinery activities amid rising tensions. Rohan Goindi, a Rystad analyst, said that "Diesel consumption is expected to decline as rerouted flights and cancellations result from airspace closures, which lead to increased ticket prices, rerouted flight, and cancellations." Rystad Energy estimates that India's daily crude oil demand is 5.4 million barrels (bpd) compared with Pakistan's 0.25million bpd.
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Metals on the edge ahead of China-US Trade Talks
Metal prices in London were in a narrow range on Friday, as traders remained cautious in advance of the U.S. - China trade talks at this weekend. As of 0346 GMT on Friday, the benchmark copper price on the London Metal Exchange fell by 0.3%, to $9,405 per metric ton, but was higher by 0.42% compared to $9,365.5 on Thursday. U.S. president Donald Trump and British prime minister Keir starmer announced on Thursday a limited trade agreement. The agreement leaves the 10% tariffs Trump imposed on British exports in place, but expands access to agriculture for both countries. It also lowers U.S. duty on British auto exports. After months of rising tensions, which pushed tariffs well above 100% between the two world's largest economies, traders have adopted a cautious approach ahead of this weekend's U.S. China meeting scheduled in Switzerland. Both countries will likely discuss the possibility of lowering tariffs on specific products and a broader range of duties. The discussions between the U.S.A. and China are critical. We are cautious because Trump's position is unpredictable. Other London metals include aluminium, which fell 0.1%, to $2.411 per ton. Zinc rose 0.7%, to $2.636, while lead increased by 0.8%, to $1.960. Tin dropped 0.6%, to $31,695, and nickel decreased 0.2%, to $15.505 per ton. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's (SHFE) most traded copper contract rose by 0.1%, to 77.630 yuan (10,722) a ton. This was due to rapidly declining stocks that SHFE monitored because of robust domestic demand. Yangshan Copper Premium On Thursday, the, which measures China's demand for copper, reached its highest level since December 2023, at $102 per ton. SHFE aluminium increased by 0.5%, to 19,585 Yuan per ton. Zinc was up by 0.2%, at 22,325 Yuan. Lead was up by 0.3%, at 16,830 Yuan. Nickel was down 0.2%, at 123,420 Yuan. Tin dropped 0.3%, to 259,980 Yan. ($1 = 7.2435 Chinese Yuan Renminbi)
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Pope Leo criticised Trump and Vance. MAGA is not amused.
The first U.S. born pope did not hesitate to criticize President Donald Trump or Vice President JDVance on social media before he became pontiff. His comments drew him into the maelstrom that is divided U.S. political on Thursday, as he assumed leadership of the Catholic Church worldwide. Pope Leo XIV has a few posts on his X account, Robert Prevost (his name before he began the pontificate), that are not in favor of the Republican leaders. These posts attracted their own criticism from Trump's most ardent conservative supporters on Thursday, including activist Laura Loomer. The president expressed his pride in having an American as Vatican leader. Trump told the White House that having the pope of the United States of America was a great honor. When asked if he'd meet Leo, Trump replied "they have already called." White House officials have not commented on the criticisms of Prevost's blog. The White House staff cheered on Thursday the election of the First American-Born Pope as they watched the news. Prevost posted an article in February with the headline "JDVance is wrong: Jesus does not ask us to rate our love for others." Prevost posted a comment in April when Trump met with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to discuss the use of a prison that allegedly had human rights violations to hold suspected gang members who were flown into the U.S. Are you not troubled by this? The account was created in 2011, but it is not known who runs it. We contacted the Vatican, the Roman Catholic Diocesan of Chiclayo, Peru, where Prevost lived for many years, as well as the Peruvian Embassy in the Holy See, to verify its authenticity. Its handle, @drprevost, includes messages asking for prayers in the final months of Pope Francis. Pope Leo will follow in the footsteps Francis, a champion for immigrants and the poor, who had also his differences with Trump's administration. Vance downplayed the differences that he had with Francis after they met at the Vatican on the day before his death, but the differences were significant. Francis called Trump's immigration policy a disgrace. Leo's nomination was met with disdain by supporters of Trump's Make America Great Again campaign. Loomer, a writer for X, wrote: "He is an anti-Trump, he's anti-MAGA and he's pro-open Borders. He is a Marxist total like Pope Francis." Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, wrote: "Pope Leo XIV - Registered Chicago Republican pro-life warrior OR open borders globalist installed as a counter-Trump? Vance, who is a Catholic himself, said that he believed millions of American Catholics, as well as other Christians, would pray for Leo’s success. "May God bless him!" Vance wrote on X. Political Differences Trump and the new pope share some similar policies. Trump and Vance both oppose abortion. According to a Facebook post encouraging followers to sign the Catholic Climate Petition, he is in favor of fighting climate change. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord that combats global warming. He has also spoken against racism. Prevost, at the height of the 2020 movement for racial equality that spread around the world after the police killed George Floyd, an African-American man, tweeted a series on his Twitter account urging the eradication prejudice and hatred. In a post dated May 30, 2020, he said: "We need more from Church leaders to reject racism and to seek justice." Trump has eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the federal government, and among its contractors. Supporters say that these policies were tools used to combat a history of discrimination and bias against African Americans. Washington and the Vatican sometimes found common ground on political issues, and other times their views clashed. Both Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul were anti-Communists fervents, despite their differences on nuclear proliferation. Reagan was the very first president to have full diplomatic relations established with the Holy See. John Paul II criticized President Bill Clinton for his support of abortion rights. He also opposed the 2003 U.S. war in Iraq under President George W. Bush. (Reporting and editing by Caitlin Wallis, Colleen Jenkins, Daniel Wallis, Caitlin Wallis, Colleen Webber and Jasper Ward; Additional reporting and editing by Steve Holland; Rachael K. Kennedy, Andrea Shalal and Kat Stafford.
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Rare earth exports in April are down on last month due to China's export restrictions
China's rare earths exports fell by 15.6% in April compared to the previous month after the country announced restrictions on the shipment of certain critical minerals. The General Administration of Customs released data on Friday showing that China exported 4,785 metric tonnes of minerals in the 17-mineral group last month. This compares to 5,666 tonnes in March 2024 and 4,566 in the same period in 2024. Beijing announced that it would immediately restrict the export of seven categories medium and heavy rare Earths, including samarium and related items such as gadolinium and dysprosium. Last month, it was reported that the shipment of seven rare earths listed on the export control list has ceased. Customs data revealed that exports in the first four month of 2025 increased by 5.1% over the previous year to 18,962 tonnes. Imports of rare earths from China last month fell by nearly 4% compared to the same period in 2013. They reached 12,623 tonnes. Customs data revealed that total imports for the first four month of the year were down 23.6% compared to the previous year, at 37,302 tonnes. Reporting by Amy Lv, Lewis Jackson and Kate Mayberry; editing by Kate Mayberry
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TGS Kicks Off Geophysical Survey for Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Project
Norwegian seismic firm TGS has started detailed seabed geophysical surveys for the eastern array of the proposed Dogger Bank South offshore wind farms for RWE and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company - Masdar.The site investigations will enhance understanding of the seabed conditions over 122 km off the northeast coast of England.TGS started the surveys in April, acquiring ultra-high resolution 3D (UHR3D) seismic data to assess the subsea terrain at turbine locations.Dogger Bank South consists of two offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 3 GW. RWE leads both projects, overseeing development, construction, and operations on behalf of partners RWE and Masdar.At 3 GW, the projects are the U.K.'s most powerful offshore wind farms under development.They are currently advancing through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process, with a consent decision anticipated by the end of the year.If approved, and following a Financial Investment Decision (FID), construction could commence in 2026/27, with first power generation expected to contribute to the U.K. government’s target of 60 GW of offshore wind by 2030, and full completion by 2031/32.“We are pleased to support RWE and Masdar through the delivery of high-quality geophysical acquisition, imaging and interpretation at the array site of Dogger Bank South East.“This work is critical to minimizing geohazards and ensuring safe and efficient project execution in one of the most strategically important offshore wind zones in the UK. Our data-rich capabilities will help de-risk development and support efficient planning of this important renewable energy project,” said Will Ashby, EVP of New Energy Solutions at TGS.“This year’s site investigation at the eastern array builds upon similar work completed at the western array in 2024. The level of detail obtained from these surveys is crucial in developing the most effective foundation designs for each location.“The Dogger Bank South Offshore projects are critical infrastructure projects and have the potential to supply 3 million homes and 3GW of the UK Government’s 60GW offshore wind target,” added Colin McAllister, Development Project Manager for DBS offshore wind farms at RWE.
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Altrad’s Stork Gets Inspection Contract for Ithaca Energy
Altrad’s recently acquired subsidiary Stork has secured a multi-year contract with Ithaca Energy for inspection services across its oil and gas assets off UK.The five-year contract, which started on March 1, 2025 will encompass the provision of inspection services for the topside pressure systems, structures, tanks, heat exchangers and marine assets for the majority of Ithaca Energy assets in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).The agreement with Ithaca also includes two one-year extension options.The contract will allow Stork to add approximately 25 new people to its asset integrity team, which serves our oil and gas clients.“This is a landmark contract win for Stork, positioning us as a full integrity partner in the UKCS. We look forward to working closely with Ithaca Energy to add value to their operations,” said Steve Hunt, Regional Director for Stork said; “ “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract from Ithaca Energy, wherein we will deliver our full range of inspection services, efficiently under one contract,” added Altrad’s CEO for the UK, Ireland, Nordics & Poland – Paudie Somers.To remind, Altrad completed the acquisition Stork TS Holdings Limited which holds the Stork UK group of companies back in February 2025.
Brazilian Indigenous artists use film to fight for their rights
Brazilian filmmakers present their work
Films are being used to fight for Indigenous land rights
Native artists can demonstrate strength and legitimacy of their cause
By Andre Cabette Fabio
One rainy night, two dozen film lovers sat in front of a projector and watched as Amazonian filmmaker Takuma Kikuro demonstrated a Fulni-o ritual.
Fulni-o people live in northeastern Brazil. They, along with most Indigenous Brazilians, have been involved in longstanding battles about their land rights.
Takuma said that indigenous cinema was an instrument of fight. He also showed his short "Jungle Fever", about a shaman facing wildfires with his son.
He said, "We're developing it to be seen around the world. Not only in theatres, but on TikTok and YouTube, as well as other media."
Organisers say that more than 7,000 people representing 150 Indigenous ethnicities are participating in the annual Free Land Camp. They will be campaigning against legislation which could prevent some groups from reclaiming territory they were forced to leave.
A growing number of Indigenous Artists, such as the award-winning film maker Takuma, attend. Their films are shown in festivals both in Brazil and abroad.
Indigenous content producers maintain a social media network of influencers, reporting on the Indigenous land movement, which is closely connected with the protection of nature in Brazil and the Amazon rainforest.
The chief of the Kuikuro Village in Takuma, concerned that youths were losing interest, promoted filmmaking.
The chief asked for films to be made that would document and preserve Kuikuro cultures, including Indigenous customs such as their singing.
Takuma, a member of the community, said: "Our community understands how important it is to us that we make these films ourselves." Rain pelted down on a plastic tarp above and a small rave and concert were being staged nearby.
When white people made movies about us, it was because they didn't know what to include.
SELF-REPRESENTATION
Takuma, like many others of his generation began learning filmmaking through the Video nas Aldeias project (Video in the Villages).
The project was launched in 1987 by French Brazilian filmmaker Vincent Carelli. It has resulted in the production of dozens films.
Takuma, who owns his own production company Xingu Filmes in Brazil's Amazon region, is currently producing a number of short films about life in the Xingu Indigenous Territory.
Hugo Fulnio, another filmmaker from the Free Land Camp, screened "Tore Virtual", his short film.
The film takes viewers to an Indigenous village in arid woodlands, where four men alternately shake marakas while women sing.
Hugo, a participant in the Video nas Aldeias Project, said that films "support our cultures and safeguard them for new generations".
In recent years, activists and advocates linked to Brazil's Indigenous Rights Movement have formed large collectives which produce content about their cultures as well as real-time coverage on protests and attacks.
In 2017, at the Free Land Camp, they launched Midia Indigena. This media collective has now more than 251,000 Instagram followers and more than 560,000 TikTok followers.
According to Midia Indigena a network 780 communicators in Brazil produce content.
Priscila Tajowara, president of Midia Indigena and a filmmaker and photographer, says that their work covers Indigenous issues which mainstream media in Brazil has ignored.
Tapajowara: "We were first to speak about invasions such as the Yanomami Indigenous Territory."
According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, the Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest have been attacked by illegal small-scale gold miners who have destroyed forests, contaminated the water, and brought deadly disease.
The largest indigenous umbrella organization in Brazil, Apib (which organizes the Free Land Camp), has its own media channels. It is supported by seven of its member organizations, who post photos and stories about the Indigenous gathering on social media.
Richard Wera Mirim is a photographer and manager of the Guarani Yvyrupa Commission Instagram account. He has more than 25,000 Instagram followers.
He said that the advantage of having Indigenous communicators was not just their ability to demonstrate the struggles of Indigenous movements, but also their strength and legitimacy.
If the story involves tragedy or Indigenous people being killed, then it will be broadcast on TV. "If it's our fair fight for territories, about exposing invaders, then it won't receive the same coverage," said he.
(source: Reuters)