The Party Is Over for China’s Steel Industry
Absent a new infrastructure or construction boom at home, China’s steel industry is projected to contract as the export markets that recently sustained it close their doors.
The Impact of New Russian Sanctions on Metals Markets
The effects felt in the metals market across the next few months will likely prompt Western governments to provide funding and political backing for domestic mining projects.
Can Technology Solve the JSDF’s Manpower Shortages?
The newly launched Mogami-class frigate’s smaller crew and advanced technological suite is just the beginning, as Tokyo looks to emerging technologies like AI to reduce the manpower footprint of the JSDF.
Strategic Commodities 2.0: Global Aluminum Supply & Demand
Examining supply and demand factors driving the market for aluminum, a strategic commodity that lies at the very heart of global trade flows and geopolitics.
Micron Ban Enflames US-China Chip Conflict
China’s recent Micron ban illustrates how the semiconductor industry has become a key battleground in relations between Beijing and Washington, and this is unlikely to change any time soon.
Global Forecast (6-21-2021)
Ethiopia to vote in a landmark election, commodity prices come back down to Earth, and Iran’s election produces few surprises.
COVID-19 Pushes Laos Further into China’s Economic Orbit
Already heavily indebted to Beijing over Belt and Road infrastructure projects, the economic hit from COVID-19 has pushed Laos further into China’s sphere of influence.
Global Forecast (10-3-2017)
Gloomy economic data and leadership challenges loom over the UK Tory conference, Angela Merkel’s coalition talks get off to a bad start in Germany, and protesters flood the streets of Barcelona.
Indonesia’s Fight against the EU Palm Oil Ban
Are the EU’s motives truly environmental, or is this a matter of anti-competitive behavior?
Russia Struggles with Its Breakaway Empire
It’s getting harder and harder for Russia to maintain its network of breakaway territories in the post-Soviet space.