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.
China’s Investment Engine Moderates as Private and Property Activity Weakens
Fixed asset investment has continued to expand steadily, but growth has slowed in recent years, with the sharpest declines in real estate and construction.
Asia Dominates China’s Trade; Fastest Growth in Africa and Latin America
Asia accounts for over half of China’s trade, but growth momentum is shifting toward developing regions, especially Africa and Latin America.
China’s Power Generation Expands as Renewables Gain Share
Electricity generation rose 2.2% in 2025, as thermal output declined for the first time in a decade, with strong gains in solar and wind.
Australia-China Trade Rebalancing as Industrial Imports Outpace Commodity Exports
With commodity exports down from 2021, faster growth in machinery, electronics and transport imports has narrowed Australia’s trade surplus.
China’s Freight Flows Point to Steady Economic Momentum in 2025
Freight volumes suggest stable conditions in industrial and domestic demand rather than a cyclical upswing.
Transition Metal Supply Expanded in 2025, Control Remains Concentrated
Copper and lithium led output gains in 2025, while the top three producers still control 70-90% of most key metals.
China’s Import Momentum Moderates as Commodity Suppliers Gain Share
Imports have stabilised around USD 2.6 trillion, signalling softer domestic demand and a continued tilt toward commodity-intensive sourcing.
China’s Export Engine Remains Resilient Amid Global Realignment
Exports remain anchored in machinery and higher-value manufacturing, while trade flows have reoriented toward Asia and diversification partners.
China’s Industrial Cycle in 2025: Output Steady, Margins Recovering Despite Muted Sentiment
While PMI remained cautious and marginally contractionary, steady export demand and resilient output kept manufacturing on a modest but stable growth path.