China's raw materials are diverse and countless: rare earths, copper and lithium. China The People's Republic is one of the countries richest in raw materials. At the same time, however, the country also imports a large number of raw materials. Dependencies on China and China's dependency characterize the topic. All China commodities news from the Table.Media editorial team. What raw materials does China have? China has a variety of raw materials. In addition to water and solar energy, these include above all: What is the importance of raw materials in China? China's raw materials are important for the country for several reasons. Firstly, raw materials are needed in Chinese industry. China's natural resources are therefore a driver of economic growth. In addition, the extraction and processing of raw materials in China creates jobs – for example in mining, in the oil and gas sector or in the forestry industry in China. China's raw materials are also needed to ensure energy security within the country. Oil, gas and coal in particular are integral components of energy production in China. However, the working conditions under which raw materials are extracted in China are often poor. Mining accidents occur time and again in China's mines. In addition, the extraction of mineral resources such as rare earths is energy and water-intensive and places an additional burden on the environment. What raw materials does China export? China is a major exporter of raw materials worldwide. In addition to the export of coal, crude oil, natural gas or mineral raw materials such as lithium, an important example is China's sales market for rare earths. China produces around 58% of the raw material group worldwide. Rare earths such as neodymium are needed in the production of smartphones or for electromobility. China's monopoly on rare earths therefore leads to dependencies in many countries, which offers China an international strategic advantage. China is also the leading market power for other raw materials such as copper. Europe and Germany are highly dependent on critical raw materials from China. In addition to rare earths, Germany is particularly dependent on magnesium exports from China and on raw materials for electromobility. Import: Which raw materials does China lack? At the same time, however, China's own demand for raw materials is also growing steadily. As a result, China has to import a wide range of raw materials to support its manufacturing and construction industries. For example, China has been the world's largest importer of crude oil since 2017, even though it has its own reserves. The majority of oil imports come from the Middle East, Russia and Africa. China is also largely dependent on imports of soybeans. Raw materials that China imports include: When importing raw materials, China also relies on Africa. A large proportion of crude oil comes from African countries. China is also the world's largest importer of cobalt, a large proportion of which comes from the Congo. This often involves the exchange of cheap raw materials for infrastructure projects in the respective African countries. It is clear that China not only creates dependencies when it comes to raw materials, but also relies to a large extent on imports of raw materials, for example from Africa. China Raw Materials News China's monopoly position in raw materials such as rare earths is an alarm signal for Europe and Germany. At the same time, the country needs a large number of imported raw materials, including from Africa, for its economic growth and food security. The latest developments, dependencies and more: All China commodities news from the Table.Media editorial team!
Strait of Hormuz: Chinese cargo ship pays to use Iran corridor
A Chinese ship has, for the first time, used an alternative route through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite price controls, oil prices in China rose, leading to long lines at gas stations.
By Fabian Peltsch