Global Copper Demand Rises as Mine Supply Tightens While China Anchors the Market
Global copper consumption continues to climb, and mine production expands slowly, while refining and demand remain heavily concentrated in China.
China’s Trade With Africa Accelerates as Industrial Exports Surge and Surplus Widens
China’s exports to Africa grew 26% in 2025, led by machinery, vehicles and light manufacturing, while imports expanded only modestly.
Online Retail’s Share of China’s Consumer Market Has More Than Doubled Over the Past Decade
Total retail sales expanded steadily over the past decade, while online retail grew much faster, lifting digital penetration to 32% by 2025.
The New Geography of Global Sourcing: Demand Anchors, Rising Exporters and the Logistics Divide
Industrial demand is concentrated in the U.S., China and the EU, while a new generation of emerging markets is expanding in global production.
China’s Steel Industry Plateaus as Demand Growth Shifts to Emerging Economies
China’s crude steel output has stabilised near peak levels while India expands rapidly, reflecting a gradual rebalancing of global steel demand.
Supply Chains Are Digitising Rapidly as Automation Becomes the Next Technology Frontier
Surveys show that core digital systems are widely deployed across supply chains, and automation is expected to transform them in coming years.
Saudi Arabia’s Economy Expands and Diversifies, But Trade Remains Oil-Centric
Saudi Arabia’s economy has roughly doubled over the past decade, yet oil exports still dominate trade.
Africa FDI Map and Investment Outlook After 2024 Boom and 2025 Pullback
The volatility and geographic concentration of investment flows raises questions about Africa’s ability to sustain momentum into 2026 and beyond.
China and the Global Critical Minerals and Battery Supply Chain Landscape
Upstream mineral supply is globally distributed, but China remains the dominant actor in the midstream and downstream battery ecosystem.
Central Asia’s Emerging Industrial Economy, Driven by Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan accounts for the region’s economic scale, while Uzbekistan and neighbouring economies are expanding manufacturing and trade.