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On July 22, Japans imports surged 25.4% year-on-year in June, reaching a record 11.3 trillion yen (approximately US$69.25 billion), driven by a weaker yen and soaring oil prices. This increase exceeded market expectations of 21% and was the fastest pace since November 2022, resulting in a trade deficit of 406.9 billion yen (approximately US$2.49 billion) in June, far exceeding the previously predicted 120 billion yen. While crude oil imports declined by 13.7% year-on-year, the import value surged by 59.3%, with yen-denominated unit prices also reaching a record high, highlighting that current inflationary pressures are largely driven by exchange rate factors rather than demand growth. This means that the yens appreciation has a more significant effect on alleviating import cost pressures than potential short-term changes in oil demand. On the export side, the resilience of demand from data centers related to artificial intelligence provides the Bank of Japan with real economic growth support that can be used to offset inflationary risks. This combination of factors suggests that the Bank of Japan is more likely to adopt a cautious, gradual interest rate hike path rather than a sudden and sharp tightening of policy. The market currently expects the Bank of Japan to keep interest rates unchanged next week, but will maintain its tightening policy stance.Malaysias Deputy Finance Minister: If crude oil prices are $90 per barrel, the monthly subsidy program for 95-octane gasoline will be RM2 billion, and the diesel subsidy will be RM1.5 billion.July 22 – According to the Fujian Provincial Bureau of Statistics, based on the unified accounting results for regional GDP, the provinces GDP in the first half of the year reached 2,931.582 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.0% at constant prices. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 125.979 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.6%; the added value of the secondary industry was 1,247.608 billion yuan, an increase of 3.8%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 1,557.995 billion yuan, an increase of 4.1%.Mitsubishi Electric and Sony Semiconductor Solutions have formed a joint venture to focus on artificial intelligence vision sensors for industrial manufacturing.July 22 – This morning (July 22), the State Council Information Office held a press conference to introduce the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, accelerate the modernization of customs, and contribute to the construction of a strong trading nation. Ports are gateways to the outside world. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, customs will accelerate the implementation of key border port projects under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, simultaneously implement the 57 port facility renovation projects under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and speed up the construction of railway ports such as Turugart and Ganqimaodu. This will help further optimize the layout of port opening.

Tesla May Invest in Lithium Mining as Musk Discusses Battery Metal Costs

Haiden Holmes

Apr 11, 2022 09:37

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Lithium has joined the commodities market upheaval in the aftermath of Russia's conflict on Ukraine. Even prior to the conflict, raw material prices soared as demand increases and availability were constrained by pandemic-related supply chain problems. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's gauge of worldwide lithium prices has increased about 490 percent in the last year. China is so concerned about lithium pricing that it has gathered a diverse group of market participants for two days of negotiations aimed at preventing a meteoric rise in prices.


Because lithium is a critical component of electric car batteries, manufacturers are scrambling to secure supply ahead of a worldwide push toward electrification of transportation. Tesla has secured supply agreements with battery metals makers in the last couple of years, including one with mining giant Vale SA (NYSE:VALE).


Following the lithium price surge, China has already communicated to its EV battery supply chain that it wants lithium prices to revert to reasonable levels, as rising costs have raised manufacturers' cost inflation and threatened to ultimately harm consumer demand.