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TOPIC

Commodities

Commodities
Commodity market action from around the world with a focus on the commodities that matter most to investors in Hong Kong and China.
Gold sales have slumped in China as the global spot price drops amid consumer caution and an unstable economic outlook. Photo: Getty Images
China consumption

Gold slump: China’s sales plunge as precious metal’s price dips

While China’s interest in gold is unlikely to fade, investment-grade product sales have dwindled after 15 months of retail growth.

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Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

Past failures haunt the Quad’s US$20 billion critical minerals push

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China energy security

Global oil stockpiles could fall to ‘critical levels’ by summer, IEA warns

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Japan

Japanese MP’s claim China eyes Antarctic ‘treasure trove’ dismissed

A polar law expert says the continent’s strict mining ban has no expiry date, despite concerns raised in Japan’s parliament.

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An aerial view of China’s Qinling Station, the country’s fifth research station in Antarctica, in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Science

Can China’s caesium-from-brine tech cut reliance on Canadian, Australian ores?

Research team lead says while China follows research on salt lake resource extraction, ‘most efforts focus on lithium and potassium’.

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Asean

Opinion | Will the US’ Pax Silica deliver for the Philippines?

The Pax Silica plan to make the Philippines a vital node in a US-led tech supply chain is built on seemingly speculative promises and risks riling China.

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Indonesia

Chasing billions: Indonesia’s commodity export crackdown sows confusion

New export rules promise billions in recovered revenue, but analysts warn the ensuing chaos could cost more than the gains.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto speaks at the parliament complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 20. Photo: Xinhua
Gold in Hong Kong

Low-cost gold ETF launched as Hong Kong links bullion trading with blockchain

New fund gives retail investors physical gold access from US$45, with tokenised design primed for future trading on regulated platforms.

China energy security

Stockpiles, distribution hubs: inside China’s drive to Hormuz-proof its economy

Beijing is bolstering strategic reserves and accelerating the buildout of distribution hubs, as China rushes to adapt to the Middle East crisis.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Gold continues decline as inflation fears outweigh hope of end to Iran war

The metal is down nearly 20 per cent from its all-time high in January as investors focus on the Federal Reserve’s plans to combat inflation.

A salesman presents gold bars at a jewellery shop inside the Gold Market at the Old Souk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 13. Photo: EPA
HKEX

Open Questions | Charles Li on making Hong Kong a magnet for global IPOs

As HKEX CEO, Charles Li forged Stock Connect link to mainland markets. He says an ‘IPO connect’ could draw international companies to list in Hong Kong.

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Illustration; Victor Sanjinez
China food security

China hog prices, near decade low, seen squeezing profits amid deflation risks

Ministry data reveals nine-month slump in breeding stocks while top-listed companies face big financial hits as rising fuel and grain costs erode margins.

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Zijin Mining

China’s largest mining company poised for global top 3 status by 2028, says S&P

Ratings agency highlights Zijin’s project pipeline and cost discipline as the miner accelerates global expansion in copper and gold.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Serbia can help build bridges between Europe and China

Serbia’s experience proves that cooperation with China brings concrete benefits to ordinary people, workers and families.

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The steel mill in the Serbian town of Smederevo, seen on April 4, 2019, was revitalised with the help of Chinese investment. Photo: AFP
Semiconductors

China’s biggest contract chipmaker clears final hurdle for US$6 billion takeover

SMNC is to become a wholly owned subsidiary of SMIC, boosting the semiconductor manufacturer’s prowess and market position.

An electronic board shows stock prices in the Lujiazui financial district of Shanghai, China. Photo: Reuters
War and conflict

Opinion | Not even a quick end to Iran war can save AI stock bubble now

Rising prices are draining the liquidity from financial markets, including bonds. The AI stock bubble is ripe for bursting.

Indonesia

Prabowo tightens state grip on palm oil, coal amid monopolistic fears

A state agency will handle exports of palm oil, coal and ferroalloys to stem revenue loss and under-invoicing, the president says.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Aluminium supply crunch threatens Asia’s clean energy push amid Iran war

Key Gulf plants have been hit by Iranian missiles, causing a drop in output of the metal used in making solar panels and wind turbines.

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Aluminium prices have surged since the start of the Iran war and is the metal most exposed to the conflict. Photo: Shutterstock
China energy security

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

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Rare earths

Australia to force investors with China ties to divest from rare earths company

The company will force divestment from two individuals and four companies due to Chinese affiliation.

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South Korea

South Korea weighs the cost of stepping into Samsung’s US$400,000 bonus row

Seoul is considering using a rarely used emergency power to halt a strike that could cost the economy US$67 billion.

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Members of Samsung Electronics’ largest labour union chant slogans during a protest against the company’s compensation levels in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, last month. Photo: Reuters
Science

China’s northeast, poor in rare earths, scores big find

A new type of deposit in Heilongjiang and Jilin promises easier, cheaper mining than in southern clay-rich areas, say scientists.

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A rare earth mine at Bayan Obo, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region of China, seen in 2011. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
China trade

Asia needs ‘institutional toolbox’ to survive global shocks, China experts warn

Ahead of Trump’s China visit, experts at an RCEP forum discuss a supply-chain overhaul, looking to insulate the world’s biggest trading bloc.

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Japan

Oil crunch drains colour from 1 of Japan’s favourite snacks

Calbee says it is using monochrome designs for some of its products, as the Iran war has caused a shortage of naphtha used in packaging.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

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Honduran President Nasry Asfura, seen during general elections in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on November 30, has ordered a review of deals with Beijing after Tegucigalpa cut ties with Taipei. Photo: AP
LME

‘Positive problem’: surging demand strains Hong Kong’s metals storage capacity

15 LME-approved warehouses are already full, underscoring city’s ambition to be a commodities centre – and its urgent need for more space.

A pile of copper bars. High-value metals such as copper, lead, tin and zinc are stored in LME-approved warehouses in Hong Kong. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

South Korea draws Gulf oil storage interest as Hormuz stays closed

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE are among major oil producers looking to South Korea’s underground storage facilities, officials say.

Gold in Hong Kong

Hong Kong prepares for gold futures trading: will the fourth time be the charm?

As HKEX eyes relaunch of gold futures, experts suggest extended hours, tax breaks, and storage facilities to ensure success.

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