China Is Rewiring Its Innovation Model for Higher-Value Output
Sustained growth in R&D alongside declining filings suggests tighter standards and a reorientation toward higher-quality innovation.
Global Iron Ore Trade Remains Anchored to China’s Steel Industry
Australia and Brazil dominate supply while China anchors demand, with rising exports reshaping how iron ore flows through global markets.
Global Car Markets and the Uneven Transition to Electric Vehicles
Global passenger car sales reached 92 million units in 2025, including more than 20 million EVs, but adoption varies widely across markets.
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.
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.
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.