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Commodities

Demand for gold has surged in China over the past two years, as consumers and investors react to domestic and global economic uncertainty. Photo: Shutterstock

China hits jackpot with discovery of ‘massive’ gold reserves in Hunan

The US$80 billion hoard is the latest fruit of China’s drive to find new domestic precious minerals reserves.

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Future-proofing rice: how Asia’s farmers are innovating against climate odds

South African government won’t help thousands of illegal miners in closed mine

Opinion | Why China will struggle to achieve food security goal despite smart plans

The country is facing food security challenges as a result of factors ranging from changing diets and climate threats to supply chain uncertainties.

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Farmers loading grain in Daoxiang village in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province on October 13. China expects a record grain harvest this year. Photo: Xinhua

Rare earths in spotlight amid US-China tensions, Myanmar turmoil

Armed rebels have taken control of a mining centre, and the US election outcome could be anyone’s guess.

All eyes on agro-diplomacy as China’s food-security needs open new import doors

Upcoming China International Import Expo will highlight need to strike a balance with trading partners as appetite of world’s biggest food consumer hits record highs.

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China hails mineral finds amid push for security of supply, energy and nation

Ministry of Natural Resources lists haul of gold, copper, molybdenum, phosphorite and fluorite key to future of defence and geopolitics.

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China’s Ministry of Natural Resources says it has discovered new deposits of minerals, including gold, copper, molybdenum, phosphorite and fluorite. Photo: Xinhua

Gold’s shine fades in India as US election, high prices dampen Diwali demand

While gold is often seen as a safe haven, traders are hesitant to purchase due to the potential for price fluctuations after the US election.

China’s steel and oil industries face mounting losses amid economic slowdown

China steel’s industry racked up losses of US$5 billion from January to September, while the oil sector’s losses widened to US$4.5 billion.

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Opinion | For China, choosing green hydrogen over shale gas should be a no-brainer

Fracking is technically challenging, expensive and polluting. Much better to devote more resources to green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen is the most promising fuel for power plants not only in China but worldwide. Photo: Shutterstock

How Hong Kong can compete with Singapore, Dubai in gold trading

Hong Kong has to create a comprehensive gold trading ecosystem, attract international traders, central banks and hedge funds.

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Hong Kong’s Airport Authority has unveiled plans to expand the capacity of its gold vault from 150 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes. Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion | Hongkongers should support John Lee’s determination to improve things

The city’s leader has backed his promise to improve the city’s competitiveness and livelihoods with policies to protect prosperity and stability.

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Defend euro as China, Russia push for alternative currency: Europe’s bank chief

Next US leader also urged to weigh negative impacts of American and EU trade ‘restrictions and barriers’ on economic growth and inflation.

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Hong Kong airport to boost gold vault capacity to 1,000 tonnes to lure investors

Airport Authority says it is finalising expansion plan for precious metals depository, as site is ‘reaching full capacity’ due to growing demand.

Hong Kong has ambitions to become a global gold trading hub. Photo: Shutterstock

Editorial | Speed of essence in Hong Kong push to be gold, commodities hub

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has set out several measures aimed at consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

Photo: Shutterstock

Why the world is watching China’s stimulus package

China relies on imports, other countries need its exports, and the nation’s economic slowdown is affecting both.

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Hong Kong must build up global gold trade amid competition from Singapore: John Lee

Chief executive calls for immediate action to build from ‘low base’, keep up with Singapore’s launch of vault with 500-tonne gold depository.

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Malaysia’s rare earths ambition faces curbs as geopolitics muddies waters

The country needs Chinese technology to grow its rare earth industry and yet faces risks of US boycott, a Malaysian minister says.

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A mining worker walks past sacks of rare earth concentrate waiting to be shipped to Malaysia, at Mount Weld, northeast of Perth, Australia. Photo: Reuters

Australia’s failure to reinvest in mineral wealth risks dragging down economy

Wealth from the mining boom has not been reallocated to benefit average Australians, leaving them worse off now than 10 years ago, analysts say.

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Oil futures surge amid Middle East tensions and speculative shifts

Middle East tensions drive oil futures to their largest gain in a year, with traders rushing to buy call options amid fears of supply disruptions.

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Malaysia’s palm oil lobby welcomes ‘sensible’ reprieve from EU deforestation law

The delay gives producers more time to comply with the complex regulations, which were originally set to come into effect on December 30.

Workers load harvested palm oil fruit bunches onto a truck at a plantation in Selangor, Malaysia. Photo: Bloomberg

The View | Indonesia and Philippines must clean up their nickel mines

A US report on worker exploitation adds urgency to the call for reform of an industry already battling accusations of environmental abuse.

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Nickel slag waste is disposed of at a temporary storage area of a nickel mine in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, on August 2. While nickel holds great value, we must remember that vibrant forests, unique species and rich aquatic ecosystems are priceless treasures. Photo: AFP

Will Malaysian renewal of durian trademark cause a stink in China or help sales?

The price of a single Musang King durian from Malaysia can surpass US$80 in China, and new protections could make them even more costly.

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India allows non-basmati white rice exports, boosts global supplies

India imposed curbs on rice exports last year and extended them into 2024 to keep prices in check ahead of the April-June national election.

‘Environmental sin’: Indonesia slammed for reversal on sea sand export ban

Environmental activists warn lifting the ban could devastate marine life and endanger small islands already threatened by erosion.

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A dredging vessel spewing sand imported from Indonesia fills the seabed off western Singapore in 2002, before Indonesia imposed its export ban. Photo: AFP

Indian steelmakers seek higher tariffs as ‘predatory’ Chinese imports surge

Indian Steel Association pushes for doubling the customs duty on steel imports to 15 per cent as cheap shipments from China surge.

A container ship is docked in the background at a port in Vallarpadam, the southern Indian city of Kochi. The Indian Steel Association urged the finance ministry to double the customs duty on steel imports to 15 per cent. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia faces call to cut palm oil windfall tax as pressures on producers mount

With Malaysian palm oil producers facing price pressures, the finance ministry may consider trimming the windfall tax levied on the sector.

Miner backed by Canadian province vows to compete with China in rare earths

Saskatchewan, home to copper, potash and uranium mines, aims to become first North American commercial alternative for the metals.

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Commodities
Commodity market action from around the world with a focus on the commodities that matter most to investors in Hong Kong and China.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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