China’s emergence over the past two decades has reshaped global trade. What began as rapid export-led expansion in the early 2000s has evolved into a far more strategic model: one centered on control of intermediate goods, deep integration into global supply chains, and the creation of structural dependencies across industries and regions, according to Mexico’s former ambassador to China, Jorge Guajardo.

The US has stepped up calls for its allies to accept higher costs for sourcing critical minerals outside China, arguing that supply chain security must take precedence over price efficiency – a stance that is reshaping expectations across metals markets but has yet to translate into durable pricing support.

North American automotive OEMs are navigating one of the toughest cost pressures today: raw material volatility. As supply chains become more localized through USMCA, the IRA, and reshoring, manufacturers continue to face rising material price risks.

Fastmarkets is proposing to launch a weekly price assessment for used cooking oil, fob Straits, with Straits being defined as ports in Malaysia and Singapore, with effect from May 14, 2026. This launch is intended to add value to the current suite of biofuel feedstock price assessments and contribute to overall market transparency. The proposed […]

European automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are facing a period of unprecedented market uncertainty.

The forest industry is shifting its focus to valorizing side streams, advancing fiber-based packaging, and fostering strong collaborations to unlock new potential and meet growing consumer demands.

The Montréal Wood Convention 2026 revealed a North American wood products market at a turning point, with supply rationalizing and demand recovery pushed to 2027.

China's Tsingshan Holding Group is in talks with potential project partners about building another aluminium smelter in North Maluku, Indonesia, sources told Fastmarkets in the week to Thursday April 16.

For decades, tungsten sat on the margins of US industrial policy. Despite its essential role in armor piercing munitions, aerospace alloys and advanced manufacturing, the ultra hard metal was sourced overwhelmingly from China, while US domestic mining faded from view.

Osaka, Japan-headquartered Daikin Industries, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer, is partnering with Shin-Etsu Chemical, Hitachi and Tokyo Eco Recycle to recover and recycle rare earth magnets from compressors starting in 2027, the companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday April 14.