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☆ China approves export licences for chip materials gallium, germanium
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The flag of China is placed next to the elements of Gallium and Germanium on a periodic table, in this illustration picture taken on July 6, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Some Chinese companies have obtained export licences for gallium and germanium products, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, after Beijing set new conditions on exports from Aug. 1. The comments came after China's exports of germanium and gallium items plunged in August, the first month of the export controls，customs data showed on Wednesday. China unveiled curbs that month on exports of eight gallium and six germanium products, starting from August. The new rules require exporters of germanium and gallium products to obtain an export licence for dual-use items and technologies, or those which have potential military and civilian uses.

Persons: Florence Lo, Yadong, Joe Cash, Albee Zhang, Amy Lv, Jason Neely, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: China, Rights BEIJING, Beijing, Washington

☆ 'Thrown to the wolves': How private investors are jacking up rents and ripping off college students
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +19 min

The eye-popping numbers are part of a longer-term shift toward private college housing. Moody's Analytics recently warned of an "affordability crisis" for college students, noting that since 2019, rents for student housing in a sample of notable college towns had grown faster than those of regular apartments. Student housing goes privateThe gold rush in student housing is a relatively new phenomenon. Back in the 1980s and '90s, most college students either lived in bland, cinder-block-walled dorms or in conventional apartments farther from campus. Even with his frugality, he came to realize that the prices in West Campus were "impossible to rationalize" for a college student.

Persons: behemoth Blackstone, Evan Scope, UT Austin who's, Carl Whitaker, Austin Kristian Alveo, Whitaker, Mark Austin, Kristian Alveo, David Willson, Willson, Gina Cowart, Cowart, David Kanne, lounging, Ann, Kanne, Lu Chen, RealPage, Donald Cohen, Cohen, Graham Sowden, Dan Allen, Allen, Austin, James Rodriguez Organizations: Waterloo, University of Texas, Wall Street's, American, Communities, National, Housing, Evan Scope Crafts, UT Austin, University, UT, LV, UTs, Crafts, American Campus, HBO, West, haven't, State College ,, Moody's, Power, Middlebury College, University of Tennessee, Arizona State University, Urban Institute, Investors, Power Five, RREAF Holdings Locations: Austin, Wall, Waterloo, UT Austin, Rio, Villas, West, West Campus, Gainesville , Florida, Ann Arbor , Michigan, State College , Pennsylvania, Knoxville, South

☆ Rio Tinto shoulders Simandou iron ore bill as Chinese funds delayed - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Clara Denina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Anglo-Australian miner owns two of four Simandou mining blocks as part of its Simfer joint venture with China's Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) and the government of Guinea, where the mine is located. CIOH is 75% held by Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) and 20% by Baowu Steel Group, with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) each holding 2.5%. Simandou's other two blocks are owned by the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), made up of Singapore-based Winning International Group, Weiqiao Aluminium - part of the China Hongqiao Group (1378.HK) - and United Mining Suppliers. Rio earmarked $800 million for its share of the development in 2023 and around $2 billion a year in 2024 and 2025. Reporting by Clara Denina; Additional reporting by Felix Njini and Amy Lv; Editing by Jan HarveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Chris Helgren, CIOH, CHEC, Simandou, Raphael Gnambalamou, Clara Denina, Felix Njini, Amy Lv, Jan Harvey Organizations: Rio Tinto, Developers Association of Canada, REUTERS, Ore Holdings, CIOH, Aluminum Corporation of China, Baowu Steel, China Railway Construction Corporation, China Harbour Engineering Company, Weiqiao, China Hongqiao, HK, United Mining Suppliers, Thomson Locations: Rio, Toronto , Ontario, Canada, Simandou, Guinea, China, Singapore

☆ Chinese titanium producers expect boost from new iPhone
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - China's titanium producers said on Wednesday they expect stronger demand for the lightweight metal after the launch of a new model of Apple's iPhone with a titanium shell. China accounts for more than 60% of the 240,000 metric tons of titanium and titanium alloys produced globally each year, according to the CNIA. A consumer product "monster" such as the iPhone would help bring wider adoption of titanium in new industries, replacing materials like stainless steel, he added. The titanium shell on the new iPhone is made with an alloy known as Grade 5 Titanium that also contains small amounts of aluminium and vanadium, according to three Chinese titanium producers. "There's a technical barrier to produce titanium alloys and international enterprises such as Apple require high standards.

Persons: Stephanie Lecocq, Zhao Wei, Zhao, Foxconn, Ningwei Qin, Amy Lv, Siyi Liu, Dominique Patton, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Apple, REUTERS, Rights, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, Ningwei, Thomson Locations: Lille, France, Rights BEIJING, China

Anwar said the government would support the development of the rare earths industry in Malaysia and that a ban would "guarantee maximum returns for the country". The rare earth industry is expected to contribute as much as 9.5 billion ringgit ($2 billion) to the country's gross domestic product in 2025 and create nearly 7,000 job opportunities, Anwar said in parliament. "Detailed mapping of rare earth element sources and a comprehensive business model that combines upstream, midstream and downstream industries will be developed to maintain the rare earth value chain in the country," he said. The curbs triggered fears that China could also limit exports of other critical minerals including rare earths. Australia's Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (LYC.AX), the biggest producer of rare earths outside China, has a plant in Malaysia to process concentrate that it gets in Australia.

Persons: Anwar Ibrahim, Yasuyoshi, Anwar, David Merriman, Merriman, Mai Nguyen, Rozanna, Melanie Burton, Amy Lv, Edwina Gibbs, David Holmes Organizations: Malaysia's, China, ASEAN Summit, United States Geological Survey, Thomson Locations: ASEAN, Jakarta, Indonesia, KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, China, midstream, Malaysian, Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Mai, Hanoi, Melbourne, Beijing

☆ Fact Check-Latvia did not fine citizens for celebrating WW2 victory over Hitler
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Fines issued by Latvian police for publishing symbols that are banned by law are being falsely claimed online to be fines for commemorating World War Two victory over Nazi Germany. One X user said: “That is the day celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Because Latvia is a Nazi state in Nazi NATO” (here). Riga officially commemorates victory over Nazi Germany on May 8. Local police say the fines were not for commemorating a particular event, but for public displays of outlawed symbols.

Persons: “, Hitler, Saint George, Simona Grāvīte, ”, Grāvīte, Read Organizations: Latvian, Nazi, Facebook, Russia, Victory, Nazi NATO, Latvia’s State Police, Independent State, CIS, Local, Reuters Locations: Nazi Germany, Latvia, Nazi, Riga, Moscow, Estonia, Lithuania, Baltic, Soviet Union, Ukraine

☆ China's Alibaba says will not join Ant Group share buyback
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BEIJING, July 23 (Reuters) - China's Alibaba Group (9988.HK) said on Sunday it had decided not to participate in affiliate Ant Group's proposed repurchase of shares, but would maintain its shareholding in the company. Ant Group announced a surprise share buyback of up to 7.6% of its equity interest earlier this month, a day after it was fined $984 million by Beijing for violating laws and regulations. Online retail giant Alibaba, which spun off Ant 12 years ago retains a 33% stake. The fine has fuelled hopes that a years-long regulatory crackdown on the company has ended, which could allow it to secure a financial holding company licence, focus on growth, and eventually, revive its plans for a stock market listing. Reporting by Amy Lv and Dominique Patton; Editing by Jan Harvey and Barbara LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ant, Amy Lv, Dominique Patton, Jan Harvey, Barbara Lewis Organizations: HK, Ant Group, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Beijing

☆ Chinese chipmaker Hua Hong seeks up to $2.95 billion in mainland listing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BEIJING, July 23 (Reuters) - Chinese chipmaker Hua Hong Semiconductor (1347.HK) said on Sunday it aims to raise up to 21.2 billion yuan ($2.95 billion)in a listing on the Shanghai stock exchange. The country's second-largest chip foundry will sell 407.75 million shares priced at 52 yuan per share, it said in a statement to the exchange. The IPO by the chipmaker is set to be the biggest mainland listing this year. It comes as Chinese chipmakers rush to raise capital as Beijing seeks self-sufficiency in an escalating technology war with Washington. ($1 = 7.1861 Chinese yuan)Reporting by Dominique Patton and Amy Lv; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Hua Hong, Dominique Patton, Amy Lv, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Hua Hong Semiconductor, HK, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Shanghai, Beijing, Washington, Hua, Wuxi

☆ China to resume 15-day visa-free entry for Singapore, Brunei citizens
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BEIJING, July 23 (Reuters) - China will resume 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei from Wednesday, its embassies in the two countries said, more than three years after the visas were suspended to stop the spread of COVID-19. Visa-free entry to China will be available for citizens of Singapore and Brunei with ordinary passports travelling for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and in transit, the embassies said in notices on their websites. China lifted many of its zero-COVID measures in December but only began issuing tourist visas again in March. China has also been seeking visa-free travel for its citizens to Singapore. Reporting by Amy Lv and Dominique Patton; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Amy Lv, Dominique Patton, William Mallard Organizations: Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Singapore, Brunei, COVID

BEIJING, July 13 (Reuters) - China's exports contracted last month at their fastest pace since the onset three years ago of the COVID-19 pandemic, as an ailing global economy puts mounting pressure on Chinese policymakers for fresh stimulus measures. Momentum in China's post-pandemic recovery has slowed after a brisk pickup in the first quarter, with analysts now downgrading their projections for the economy for the rest of the year as factory output slows in the face of persistently weak global demand. Outbound shipments from the world's second-largest economy slumped a worse-than-expected 12.4% year-on-year in June, data from China's Customs Bureau showed on Thursday, following a drop of 7.5% in May. Imports contracted 6.8%, steeper than an expected 4.0% decline and the previous month's 4.5% fall. With exports accounting for about one-fifth of the economy and the troubled property sector for about one-third, China's prospects have dimmed for a quick recovery after COVID-related lockdowns battered the economy in 2022.

Persons: Zichun Huang, Xu Tianchen, Li Qiang, Zhiwei Zhang, Joe Cash, Ellen Zhang, Edmund Klamann Organizations: Customs, . Imports, Reuters, Capital Economics, Administration of Customs, Exports, Economist Intelligence Unit, Management, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Beijing, United States, Russia

☆ Oil prices rise on cooling US inflation, China trade data
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, July 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Thursday after U.S. inflation and economic data sparked hopes that the Federal Reserve may have fewer interest rate hikes in store and Chinese trade figures showed monthly oil imports were the second-highest on record in June. Brent crude futures gained 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $80.32 per barrel by 0630 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 13 cents, or 0.2%, at $75.88. U.S. data on Wednesday showed consumer prices rose modestly in June, registering the smallest annual increase in more than two years. Markets expect one more interest rate rise, but oil traders hope that may be it because higher rates can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. Crude oil imports for January-June were up 11.7% at 282.1 million metric tons, while refined oil products exports for January-June were up 44.7% at 31.31 million metric tons, customs data showed.

Persons: Jun Rong, Yeap, Phil Flynn, Jeslyn Lerh, Laura Sanicola, Jamie Freed, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Federal, Brent, U.S, West Texas, IG, Administration, Customs, U.S . Energy, Price Futures, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, U.S, Singapore, Washington

☆ Top diplomat says China, ASEAN pushing ahead with free trade area talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar UlfianaBEIJING, July 13 (Reuters) - China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are pushing ahead with talks on a third version of a free trade agreement at an ASEAN summit in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Thursday. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world's largest trade bloc backed by China. "We will continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN," Wang said. According to customs data on Thursday, the value of China-ASEAN two-way trade hit $447.3 billion in January-June, down 1.5% year-on-year.

Persons: Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, Retno Marsudi, Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi, Wang, Lv Daliang, Liz Lee, Ellen Zhang, Bernard Orr, Clarence Fernandez, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Russia's, REUTERS, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Economic, Trans, Pacific, Thomson Locations: Indonesian, Jakarta, Indonesia, BEIJING, China, China's, Asia, Pacific, Australia, Japan, U.S, ASEAN

☆ China's chipmaking export curbs 'just a start', Beijing adviser warns before Yellen visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Shares in some Chinese metals companies rallied for a second session as investors bet that higher prices for gallium and germanium, which Beijing's export restrictions target, could boost revenues. China is the world's biggest producer of rare earths, a group of metals used in EVs and military equipment. Asked about the metals export curbs, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday the government's actions were reasonable and lawful. WARNING SHOTSome larger chip manufacturers view China's export controls on gallium as more of a warning shot about what economic pain the country could inflict. China's germanium ingot was priced at 9,150 yuan per kg on Tuesday, also flat on the day and on the week, Refinitiv data showed.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Wei Jianguo, Wei, Yellen, Biden, China's, Wang Wenbin, Wang, Gecamines, Belgium's Umicore, Xi Jinping, Eikon, Brenda Goh, Amy Lv, Tian, Nick Carey, Muralikumar Anantharaman, Jacqueline Wong, Catherine Evans Organizations: Treasury, Thursday Analysts, Washington, Commerce, China Daily, China Center for International Economic, Independence, Analysts, Micron, Global Times, Union, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, AMS, Democratic, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Beijing, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, BEIJING, SHANGHAI, U.S, Japan, Netherlands, United States, Swiss, Teck Resources, North, Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Washington, Yunnan, London

☆ Beijing's curbs on niche metal exports threaten China supply glut
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Gallium prices in China have dropped 12% this year, pressured by its slowing economy. China's germanium ingot price has advanced only 1% to 7,250 yuan per kg since Monday. Overseas price offers are rising much faster, amid fears that Beijing may use the permitting system to restrict shipments. The Chinese government enforces export controls that do not target any particular country," spokesperson Shu Jueting told a weekly press conference. China produces around 60% of the world's germanium, and over 90% of the world's gallium.

Persons: Theo Ruas, Willis Thomas, Ruas, Shu Jueting, Amy Lv, Siyi Liu, Seher, Dominique Patton, Kim Coghill Organizations: China's Ministry of Commerce, Washington, Producers, Corporation, Shanghai Metal Exchange, CRU, Reuters, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Beijing, U.S, London, Bangalore

☆ China adviser warns chipmaking export curbs are 'just a start', as Yellen visit looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Shares in some Chinese metals companies rallied for a second session, with investors betting that higher prices on gallium and germanium, which Beijing's export restrictions target, could boost revenues. Germanium is used in high-speed computer chips, plastics, and in military applications such as night-vision devices as well as satellite imagery sensors. China is the world's biggest producer of rare earths, a group of metals used in EVs and military equipment. CURBS ON EXPORTS TO CHINAWashington is considering new restrictions on the shipment of high-tech microchips to China, following a series of curbs over the past few years. China's germanium ingot was priced at 9,150 yuan per kg on Tuesday, also flat on the day and on the week, Refinitiv data showed.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Yellen's, Biden, China's, Wei Jianguo, Wei, Xi Jinping, Eikon, Brenda Goh, Amy Lv, Christopher Cushing, Muralikumar Organizations: Independence, Analysts, Micron, Commerce, China Daily, China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Global Times, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Beijing, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, SHANGHAI, Beijing, Japan, Netherlands, China, CHINA Washington, United States, Yunnan

In 2022, top importers of China's gallium products were Japan, Germany and the Netherlands, news website Caixin said, citing customs data. Top importers of germanium products were Japan, France, Germany and the United States, it said. The buyers were anticipating it could take as long as two months to obtain export permits. Jefferies analysts said they saw the export controls as China's second and bigger countermeasure after the Micron ban. "If this action doesn't change the U.S.-China dynamics, more rare earth export controls should be expected."

Persons: Peter Arkell, Jeffries, Janet Yellen, Arkell, Caixin, Morris Young, Roy Lee, Amy Lv, Brenda Goh, Siyi Liu, Kentaro Sugiyama, Joyce Lee, Ben Blanchard, Melanie Burton, Tom Hogue Organizations: China, Companies, Global Mining Association of China, U.S, AXT Inc, Micron, Jefferies, ., Thomson Locations: China, Beijing BEIJING, SHANGHAI, United States, Washington, Beijing, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, France, Europe, Taiwan, South Korea, Yunnan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Melbourne

☆ What people are saying about China's chipmaking export controls
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

July 4 (Reuters) - China will control exports of some metals used in the semiconductor industry, ramping up a technology war with the United States and potentially causing more disruption to global supply chains. PETER ARKELL, CHAIRMAN OF GLOBAL MINING ASSOCIATION OF CHINA:"It hardly comes as a surprise that China would respond to the American-led campaign to restrict China's access to microchips. With roughly 90% of global production of these minor metals, China has hit the American trade restrictions where it hurts. It is a fantasy to suggest that another country can replace China in the short or even medium term." "Offer prices in the domestic market and the export market have increased to 10,000 yuan ($1,380) per kg and over $1,500 per kg, respectively."

Persons: KAZUMA KISHIKAWA, I've, PETER ARKELL, STEWART RANDALL, Kentaro Sugiyama, Amy Lv, Brenda Goh, Anne Marie Roantree, Tom Hogue Organizations: DAIWA, OF, OF CHINA, WHO, BE, Thomson Locations: China, United States, Japan, U.S, Netherlands, SHANGHAI, CHINA, Europe, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai

☆ MSCHF’s ‘microscopic’ Louis Vuitton handbag sells for over $63K at Joopiter auction
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Oscar Holland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A minuscule handbag measuring just 657 by 222 by 700 microns (or less than 0.03 inches wide) sold for over $63,000 at an online auction Wednesday. Barely visible to the human eye, the fluorescent yellowish-green bag is based on a popular Louis Vuitton design — though it is the work of a New York art collective, not the luxury label itself. Microscopic 'Louis Vuitton' handbag sold for $63K at an auction, the latest project from art collective MSCHF. MSCHFThe sale was hosted by Joopiter, an online auction house founded by American musician, record producer and designer Pharrell Williams. “Pharrell loves big hats, so we made him an incredibly small bag,” he told the newspaper.

Persons: Louis, Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams, Williams, Louis Vuitton’s, Kevin Wiesner, “ Pharrell, MSCHF, ”, Andy Warhol, Damian Hirst, Birkin, Iggy Azalea, Janelle Monáe, ’ Organizations: CNN, Louis Vuitton, Joopiter, New York Times, Nike Locations: New York, Brooklyn, American

☆ Pharrell Williams stages Louis Vuitton debut on Pont Neuf
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Mimosa Spencer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Designer Pharrell Williams appears at the end of his Menswear ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2024 collection show for fashion house Louis Vuitton, on the Pont Neuf bridge, during Men's Fashion Week in Paris, France, June 20, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, June 20 (Reuters) - For his debut collection at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams drew his global audience to the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, kicking off his tenure as creative director of menswear with a celebrity-packed outdoor show that further anchored the LVMH-owned (LVMH.PA) label in popular culture. Abloh had been the industry's highest profile Black designer, credited with forging a place for street style and loose skateboard looks in high-end fashion. Williams was first introduced to the Arnault clan in a collaboration to design sunglasses with Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs in 2004. Williams' appointment raised eyebrows despite his extensive fashion experience, including founding streetwear brands with Japanese designer Nigo and designing capsule collections at Chanel.

Persons: Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton, Gonzalo Fuentes PARIS, strode, Williams, Virgil Abloh, Abloh, Virgil, Bernard Arnault, Arnault, Marc Jacobs, Nigo, Erwan Rambourg, Robert Schramm, Fuchs, Janus Henderson, Schramm, Mimosa Spencer, Helen Reid, Vanessa O'Connell, Richard Chang Organizations: REUTERS, Louis, LVMH, Chanel, Juilliard, HSBC, Thomson Locations: Pont, Paris, France, American, LVMH

☆ The Gear You Need to Hit the Trail
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Stephanie Pearson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

City WalkShoesHard surfaces require a supportive, comfortable shoe with some grip, but not a heavy, chunky tread. It also has a lightweight, yet tough rubber outsole with a minimalist tread and 100 percent recycled liners and mesh uppers. Fitness TrackerApple’s Series 8 watch (from $399) handles the rigors of travel well with its crack-, water- and dust-resistant body. PackIn a city it’s nice to have a small, secure, body-hugging pack. Its full hood protects your head from a downpour and two roomy zip pockets stash keys, cash and credit cards.

Locations: MIR

☆ Analysis-In China's lithium hub, mining boom comes at a cost
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Siyi Liu | Dominique Patton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

FILE PHOTO: A vehicle is seen near a lithium smelter in Yichun, Jiangxi province, China March 30, 2023. It has supported mine development by taking stakes in mining companies to help battery materials makers that do not have mines overseas like those owned by China’s top lithium producers Ganfeng Lithium and Tianqi Lithium. Separating lithium from lepidolite can cost as much as 100,000 yuan per metric ton, compared to 40,000-50,000 yuan for brine and 50,000-60,000 yuan for spodumene, analysts said. ‘NATURAL RESOURCES CHAOS’Further dimming the outlook for lepidolite, environmental damage is a growing concern. UBS analysts see China’s supply of lithium from lepidolite tripling to 280,000 metric tons, or 13% of global supply, between 2022 and 2025, well short of Yichun’s target.

Persons: ”, Yang Yaohua, Yang, Wu Wei, Eric Norris, ” Norris, Yongxing, Yichun, Ma Jun, ” Ma, Vicky Zhao, Li Qi Organizations: REUTERS, Staff, Australia, Guosen, Macquarie, Gotion High Tech, CRU, Xiamen University, Energy, lepidolite, Reuters, Materials Technology, Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs, UBS, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Locations: YICHUN, China, Yichun, Jiangxi province, lepidolite, Beijing, Sichuan, Qinghai, Tibet, Shanghai, Jin, U.S, Jiangxi

It has supported mine development by taking stakes in mining companies to help battery materials makers that do not have mines overseas like those owned by China's top lithium producers Ganfeng Lithium (002460.SZ), (002460.SZ) and Tianqi Lithium (002466.SZ). Separating lithium from lepidolite can cost as much as 100,000 yuan per metric ton, compared to 40,000-50,000 yuan for brine and 50,000-60,000 yuan for spodumene, analysts said. 'NATURAL RESOURCES CHAOS'Further dimming the outlook for lepidolite, environmental damage is a growing concern. As it gets stricter now, lithium resources in Yichun will lose their competitiveness with the higher costs for environmental protection," Ma said. UBS analysts see China's supply of lithium from lepidolite tripling to 280,000 metric tons, or 13% of global supply, between 2022 and 2025, well short of Yichun's target.

Persons: YICHUN, Yang Yaohua, Yang, Wu Wei, Eric Norris, Norris, Yongxing, Yichun, Ma Jun, Ma, Vicky Zhao, Li Qi, Siyi Liu, Dominique Patton, Ernest Scheyder, Tony Munroe, Sonali Paul Organizations: Australia, Guosen, Macquarie, Gotion High Tech, CRU, Xiamen University, Energy, Corp, Reuters, Materials Technology, Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs, UBS, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Beijing Newsroom, Thomson Locations: China, Yichun, lepidolite, Beijing, Sichuan, Qinghai, Tibet, Shanghai, Jin, U.S, Jiangxi, Houston

☆ Tom Brady shuts down speculation of potential NFL return
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Tom Brady has shut down speculation and rumors of a potential return to football. While speaking to Sports Illustrated, the 45-year-old Brady said on Thursday he’s “certain” he will not play football again. Instead, Brady said he was looking forward to starting his role as a broadcaster for Fox Sports and the “opportunity ahead” with the Las Vegas Raiders. In May, Brady agreed to buy a minority ownership stake in the team. Brady also owns an ownership stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

Persons: Tom Brady, Brady, “, I’ve, ” Brady, Patrick Smith Organizations: CNN, Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aces, Kansas City Chiefs, Super, Getty, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL

☆ China's first homegrown large passenger jet took its maiden flight after 16 years in the making — check it out
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

China's first domestically-made large passenger jet completed its maiden commercial flight Sunday. China's first domestically-made large passenger jet has completed its maiden commercial flight. VCG/VCG via Getty ImagesNearly 130 passengers were on board for the maiden flight, which took around two hours, Comac said. Crowds gather to watch the C919 land at Beijing Capital International Airport during its maiden commercial flight. Passengers sit on board the C919's maiden commercial flight.

☆ China industrial profits tumble 18% in April as demand sputters
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

BEIJING, May 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms slumped in the first four months of 2023, official data showed on Saturday, as companies continued to struggle with margin pressures and soft demand amid a faltering economic recovery. In April alone, industrial firms posted a 18.2% drop in profit year-on-year, according to the NBS, which only occasionally gives monthly figures. Chinese companies are struggling with both weak demand at home and softening demand in the country's major export markets. Earlier this month, Premier Li Qiang vowed more targeted measures to expand domestic demand and stabilise external demand in an effort to promote a sustained economic rebound. Industrial profit numbers cover firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan ($2.89 million) from their main operations.

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