China’s export controls on key technology and defense-critical metals are continuing to squeeze global supply chains, as new customs data reveal persistently low shipment levels despite soaring global prices. The move underscores Beijing’s resolve to weaponize its dominance over niche but vital materials like antimony, germanium, and gallium, as geopolitical tensions—especially with the United States—worsen.

Since last year, China has added the three metals to its export control list, subjecting them to a licensing regime that restricts outbound sales. While not an outright ban in most cases, the licensing process is widely seen as opaque, bureaucratic, and selectively applied—giving Chinese authorities a powerful tool to exert influence over global industrial and defense sectors.

The recent surge in copper prices, reaching $10,000 a ton, underscores a fundamental issue within the industry. There’s a significant gap between demand and supply, and miners are struggling to bridge it. Despite the eagerness of major producers to increase copper output to meet the rising demand…

The oil markets are currently experiencing a deficit, and this shortage is expected to deepen in the fourth quarter. The main reason behind this deficit is the production cuts initiated by Saudi Arabia and Russia.