Category: Metals and minerals
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Rare Earths and Real Power: How China’s Export Curbs Expose U.S. Strategic Vulnerabilities
The Geopolitical Weight of Invisible Minerals In the realm of global trade, few commodities are as obscure yet as essential as rare earth elements (REEs). These 17 minerals — vital for electronics, defense, and green technologies — form the backbone of modern economies. China’s recent move to regulate exports of…
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Trade Tensions and the Future of UK Steel: A Test of Post-Brexit Realities
The European Union is considering a significant escalation in its trade policy towards the United Kingdom’s steel industry. Reports suggest that Brussels may halve the duty-free quota for UK steel imports and double tariffs from 25% to 50%. This would not just be a technical adjustment of trade rules—it could…
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Pakistan’s $500 Million Minerals Gamble: A New Chapter in Geopolitics and Resource Economics
In September 2025, Pakistan secured what is being touted as its most significant foreign investment in the critical minerals sector: a $500 million memorandum of understanding with Missouri-based US Strategic Metals. Partnering with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), the deal envisions the establishment of a poly-metallic refinery to extract and…
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Export Restrictions and the Rare Earth Supply Chain Crisis
Global supply chains are once again under stress, this time due to China’s tightening grip on rare earth exports. Since April 2025, Beijing has imposed licensing requirements on seven key rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium—minerals indispensable for the production of electric vehicle motors, advanced defense equipment, and renewable…
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Five Strategic Policy Pillars for India’s Rare-Earth Self-Reliance
Rare-earth minerals are the backbone of the clean energy revolution, essential for technologies ranging from wind turbines and solar panels to batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). For India, a country that aims to position itself as both a green energy hub and a manufacturing powerhouse, securing reliable access to these…
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India Warns of Retaliatory Tariffs as U.S. Steel and Aluminum Dispute Heats Up
India’s recent move to escalate its trade dispute with the United States underscores the delicate balance between protecting national economic interests and navigating complex global trade rules. The government has formally reserved the right to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on steel and aluminum, marking yet another…
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The Sparkle of Change: Diamond and Jewelry Industry Trends in 2025
The diamond and jewelry industry in 2025 is undergoing a transformation shaped by shifting consumer expectations, technological innovation, and a growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices. With the global diamond jewelry market valued at $389.5 billion and projected to reach over $600 billion by 2035, the sector is poised…
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The Metal and Metal Products Industry in 2025: Forging the Future with Innovation and Sustainability
The global metal and metal products industry stands as a cornerstone of industrial development, playing a pivotal role in powering infrastructure, mobility, technology, and clean energy transitions. As of 2025, the sector is valued at $3.13 trillion, with projections reaching $3.81 trillion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate…
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Cement Industry in 2025: Building the Future Sustainably
As the backbone of global infrastructure, the cement industry in 2025 stands at a pivotal intersection of growth and transformation. With its market size estimated between $387 and $423 billion, the sector is not only expanding but also evolving in response to urbanization pressures, technological shifts, and growing climate imperatives.…
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Forging Global Strength: India’s Unified Steel Strategy through Joint Ventures
In a move poised to redefine India’s global standing in the steel sector, the Government of India is working on a bold and strategic framework to bring public and private steelmakers together. The objective? To consolidate resources, enhance bargaining power, and jointly pursue global opportunities—especially in securing raw materials and…
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