China
Population stagnates + Ore from Guinea + EV boom
Dear reader,
The contrast is startling. In the mid-1960s, China's mothers still gave birth to an average of six children. Today, they have only 1.3 children, as the analysis of the current census shows. As the number of young people shrinks, so does consumption in the long term – a trend that company executives should keep on their radar. Meanwhile, experts have doubts about the figures: There may be even fewer children born than reported. Nevertheless, the now available data is the most valuable information we have about China's population, explains Felix Lee. A census like this only takes place every ten years.
China and Australia are still in conflict. Beijing wants to reduce its dependence on ore supplies from Down Under, to put the rebellious partner under pressure more effectively. But even high investments in Guinea will not bring the desired independence, as Frank Sieren reports. Australia has particularly rich deposits of high-quality iron ore.
While demand for EVs is booming, Tesla has decided to forgo the originally planned expansion of its factory in Shanghai for the time being. The company wanted to supply the US market from there. But the trade dispute makes that seem less advisable.
