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The Market Online
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Almonty Industries – Next signs point to an upgrade
This article is presented in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is a sponsored communication intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Almonty Industries (TSX:AII) plays a key role in securing the future supply of raw materials for the West. At a time when approximately 90% of the world's tungsten supply originates from China and geopolitical tensions are escalating, the Company is becoming the focus of Western security interests due to its strategically important Sangdong mine in South Korea. Tungsten is indispensable for defense, aviation, electronics, and mechanical engineering, but until now has been virtually unavailable from conflict-free sources. Almonty is not only developing one of the largest deposits outside China, but could also become the most important tungsten producer in the Western world. This represents a unique opportunity from both an economic and geopolitical perspective. The West has a problem – Almonty has the solution What oil was to the global economy, tungsten is to the modern defense and high-tech industries. The problem: 90% of the global tungsten supply comes from a single source, namely China. And that is precisely where the West has been systematically turning off the tap for months: export controls, delivery bans, and strategic restraint. Beijing is aware of its power and is exploiting it mercilessly. The consequences for the Western world are dramatic: tungsten prices are skyrocketing, while Western countries are forced to watch their reserves dwindle. Without tungsten, the production of precision weapons, aircraft turbines, and hardened materials is impossible. As a result, the West is concerned about its future defense capabilities. This is where Almonty Industries (TSX:AII) comes in. The Canadian-American company is developing the Sangdong mine in South Korea, one of the world's largest and highest-grade tungsten deposits outside China's sphere of influence. With a planned lifespan of over 90 years and ore reserves that are around three times higher than the market average, Sangdong is becoming the West's strategic lifeline. The mine is scheduled to go into production this year. This could lead to a scenario that investors have seen before: when political urgency meets scarce resources, the market usually knows only one direction. Source: LSEG from July 4, 2025 Developments – When a niche player becomes a strategic champion In recent months, the share price has exploded, driven by the prospect of a virtually China-free tungsten supply. Demand is no longer coming solely from private investors; the US defense industry and political circles have also long since positioned themselves. The US company Tungsten Parts Wyoming (TPW) has already secured long-term purchase agreements with Almonty, including a minimum price. And the development continues. The team, led by experienced CEO Lewis Black, is also planning its own tungsten oxide production and smelting operations to achieve complete independence from the Chinese refining market. This would make Almonty the only fully integrated tungsten source in a region with a stable legal system, which would mean a monopoly that is unparalleled. The political course is also clear: the relocation of the Company's headquarters to the US was approved by 99.6% of shareholders. With former General Gustave F. Perna and logistics insider Alan Estevez, two high-profile US defense experts now sit on the board. The message behind this move is clear: Almonty is ready to become America's No. 1 tungsten supplier. Reverse Split – The countdown to NASDAQ is on The next catalyst for share price momentum is already underway. Almonty is preparing for its big debut on the NASDAQ stage. To technically secure the necessary price of over USD 3, a reverse split at a ratio of 1.5 to 1 was carried out. A listing on the NASDAQ means access to billion-dollar funds, increased international visibility, and potential index inclusion – all of which could attract new, major investors to the stock. In the short term, the move is causing a stir, as short sellers could come under pressure. Technical changes of this nature have repeatedly led to forced liquidations in the past, as brokers or custodians were unable to deliver on time. Anyone thinking they can sit back comfortably on the short side may soon find themselves nervously watching their screen. In the long term, however, the move is tantamount to a knighthood. Only those who meet the NASDAQ's strict criteria in terms of transparency, corporate governance, and financial standards are eligible to be listed there. Conclusion: Tungsten is the new oil – and Almonty the tap What we are seeing here is more than just a mining project. Almonty Industries is poised to become the lifeline of Western commodity strategy in a market that is on the verge of escalation. The situation is clear: China has its hand firmly on the tungsten valve, and the West urgently needs an alternative. Almonty is ready to fill that gap. With Sangdong in South Korea, strategic partners, US policy backing, and a NASDAQ listing on the horizon, the Company is better positioned than ever before. The market is beginning to understand this, but not everything has been priced in yet. Those who get in now could be part of a new commodity rally. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a 'Transaction'). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships. For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein.
DW
30-06-2025
- Business
- DW
Can Taiwan help Germany ease its reliance on Chinese drones? – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is hoping to buy more drones from Taiwan as an alternative to China, but many financial and political hurdles stand in the way of Berlin reaching out to Taipei. For German companies looking to diversify their supply of drones beyond China and bypass its dominance of the global drone market, Taiwan is starting to look increasingly attractive. A report published this month by DSET, a Taiwanese think tank focusing on democracy, society and emerging technology, shows that Germany has become the second-largest importer of Taiwan-made drones in the first quarter of 2025. "We are trying to become more independent from China [regarding drones]," Verena Jackson, a researcher at the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS) at the University of the Armed Forces of Germany, told DW. Beijing sees Taiwan, a self-ruled island, as a breakaway province, and is actively discouraging diplomatic and trade ties between Taipei and other nations. Due to Germany's close economic cooperation with China, Beijing is likely to bristle at the idea of Berlin turning to Taiwan-made drones or key components as alternatives to Chinese ones. Although China still dominates the drone market with an estimated 70-80% share of worldwide production, Taiwan is emerging as "a rising star" in the supply chain, Jackson said. "The advantage for Taiwanese companies is that we are trying to do everything China-free. That has a very big attraction for our European partners," Hong-Lun Tiunn, Deputy Director of the National Security Program at DSET, told DW. Since 2022, Taiwan has stepped up its efforts to develop its own drone industry and build a "non-red" supply chain, a reference to manufacturing networks that are independent of China's influence. This is part of Taipei's defense strategy against a potential invasion by Beijing. In a wartime scenario, Taiwan could be subject to a Chinese blockade with no shipping access. "So we need to have our own capacity to manufacture all kinds of (drone) components," Tiunn said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Since the second half of 2024, Europe has overtaken the United States as the primary export destination for Taiwanese drones, according to the DSET report. This shift came as China tightened export controls on drones and components, particularly those with military or dual-use capabilities, citing its own national security concerns. But many analysts believe the shift is largely driven by mounting pressure from the West over China's ties to Russia. "Europeans are trying to reach defense autonomy and they want to manufacture their own weapons or drones," Elizabeth Sun, a Berlin-based research fellow at DSET, told DW. In December, the European Union announced sanctions on four Chinese firms for "supplying sensitive drone components and microelectronic components" to the Russian military. During her visit to Beijing last year, former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that drones from Chinese factories "attack peace in the middle of Europe" and "hurt our central security interests." CISS researcher Jackson also pointed out that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has come to realize "there is an imminent risk coming from China when it comes to cybersecurity or drones." However, Berling does not share Taipei's ambition of establishing a fully China-free drone supply chain. "We are very reliant on Chinese drones as a whole, as full drones, but also on parts," Jackson said. She added that cutting China ties entirely would be unrealistic, especially given the country's dominance in raw materials like rare earth elements, which are crucial components in drone technology. Instead, Germany is attempting to diversify key components such as software, sensors, and chips — areas that carry higher national security risks. Software updates, for instance, are subject to data leaks. "There's basically an open door where all information can go out of Germany and then go to foreign intelligence services," Jackson said. This is where Taiwan — home to some of the world's most advanced chip manufacturers and a strong IT sector — could step in. Although Taiwanese companies only hold a small share of the German drone market, "the components we are trying to provide are motors and chips, the very key parts, and our system integration experience to Germany," Tiunn said. While established corporations have long-standing ties with Chinese suppliers, drone production is now surging across southern Germany and startups are increasingly open to partnering with Taiwan, Jackson pointed out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Earlier this month, Taiwan signed a partnership deal with US and German-based Auterion for drone software that has been battle-tested in Ukraine to help step up its defenses against growing military threats from China. As it aims to provide drones and key components to other democracies, Taiwan is struggling to meet its own demand. The island set a goal for domestic manufacturers to produce 180,000 drones per year by 2028. But the current annual production capacity — between 8,000 to 10,000 units — falls well short of that target. This gap is due to the high cost of "China-free" drones, low domestic procurement, and minimal foreign government orders, according to the DSET report. Cathay Fang, a policy analyst in the National Security and Economic Security Research Program at DSET, noted that the current priority is improving the cybersecurity of Taiwanese drones in line with US security initiatives for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This focus could help open up the European market. "When we see that the United States and Taiwan are collaborating closely, German companies would certainly follow," Jackson said. But Germany is facing its own challenges in reducing its reliance on Chinese drones and key components. "Our procurement laws are really cost-focused. And China is still the most cost-effective country," Jackson said. "It takes time to implement also cybersecurity or security aspects." Last year, the German army reportedly eased procurement procedures for small commercial drones from Chinese companies, including DJI, the world's largest consumer drone manufacturer. This shows that, despite growing concerns from security analysts, the political will in Germany to address the potential risks of using Chinese drones remains limited. "It's developing — the awareness here and the urge to do something about it. But it's certainly not at the point where it's sufficient," Jackson said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Canada Standard
18-06-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
South Korea strengthens economic ties with US to have China-free supply chain
Seoul [South Korea], June 18 (ANI): South Korea is actively pursuing 'China-free' supply chains by strengthening its economic ties and making new investments in the United States. This strategic shift comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, creating both opportunities and risks for global economies, including Korea. As reported by the Korea Herald, President Lee Jae Myung's administration is prioritizing economic cooperation with Washington, particularly in shipbuilding, energy, and critical minerals. While a planned meeting between President Lee and US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit didn't occur, a summit is anticipated at the upcoming NATO summit. Both US and South Korea are working on to strengthen their economic ties, since President Lee's took charge earlier this month. The two countries are expecting to look for cooperation in shipbuilding, energy and critical minerals, as well as negotiate the US-imposed tariffs on Korean exports. Korean businesses are quickly adapting to this new economic landscape. Korea Herald reports that SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has discussed with President Lee strategies for Korean industries to collaborate with the US in areas like AI, semiconductors, and mobility, demonstrating how Korean companies can support the US's goal of reducing reliance on China in supply chains. A significant move in this direction was Korea Zinc's USD 85 million investment to acquire a 5 per cent stake in The Metals Company, a Canadian deep-sea mining firm focused on EV and low-carbon energy metals. Korea Zinc stated this investment positions them as a crucial player in non-China supply chains due to The Metals Company's China-independent assets and technologies. Additionally, Korea Zinc recently made its first export of antimony, a strategic element used in electronics and military products, to the US, signaling its expansion into the American market. Korean Industry officials anticipate that,' Once allied economies such as Korea and the US begin discussing specific areas of cooperation through summits, companies are projected to be in step with them and move quickly.' (ANI)
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vanguard new ex-China ETF followed push from Missouri Republicans
By Suzanne McGee and Ross Kerber (Reuters) -Investment manager Vanguard's new exchange-traded fund targeting emerging markets outside of China appears to have followed a push from the Missouri State Treasurer's office for products excluding Chinese stocks. The product highlights a new front in the decoupling of economic links between the U.S. and China as a result of the trade war U.S. President Donald Trump has begun between the world's two largest economies. Vanguard filed on May 30 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch the Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF. Vivek Malek, Missouri's Treasurer, told Reuters the announcement came six weeks after a series of requests and meetings with Vanguard, a claim backed by letters and e-mails reviewed by Reuters. Malek successfully pushed for the state's pension fund to divest from publicly traded Chinese stocks in December 2023 and also pressed for a China-free fund option for the state's $4.5 billion 529 educational savings plan in an April 14 letter to the plan's program manager working with Vanguard. "I believe we moved the needle in the direction that helped them reach this decision," Malek said. Vanguard did not directly comment on Malek's statements, citing quiet period restrictions on discussing fund products still under SEC review. A Vanguard spokesman said the firm's goal is to offer investors of all kinds of lower-cost options. Had Vanguard not filed for its ex-China ETF when it did, the firm risked losing its position as the main provider of investment products in the state's 529 plan, Malek said. Next year, Missouri will be reconsidering which asset managers will be entrusted with those savings, and one of the conditions any firm must meet will be offering a fund that excludes Chinese stocks, Malek said. MORE EX-CHINA PRODUCTS Ex-China ETFs have been launched with growing frequency within the last three years, according to Morningstar, and Vanguard's ETF would bring the total to 13, four of which debuted in 2024. Like other Republicans, Malek has been a critic of investments in China and made removing them from state investment portfolios a political objective. In his April 14 letter, Malek pointed to economic, legal and geopolitical risks associated with Chinese stocks, adding these are "real, accelerating and incompatible with long-term fiduciary responsibility". Malek's staff met with Vanguard executives in early May, according to e-mails reviewed by Reuters, ahead of a May 21 meeting of the board of trustees for the Missouri college savings plan, the agenda for which included discussion of other investment options excluding China. On May 30, Vanguard advised the Missouri Treasurer's office that it would be launching the ex-China ETF. At nearly the same time as the e-mail was sent, it filed with the SEC. "Typically, the product development cycle is a matter of months, not weeks, so it's quite possible that Vanguard had already been looking at this as an area to explore," said Bryan Armour, an ETF analyst at Morningstar. Malek said he sees the new ETF as an example of effective collaboration between conservative state treasurers and asset managers. Since Vanguard has responded favorably to his request, Malek plans to make sure the new ETF is a success, pointing out that he has influence with the 120 or so other smaller pension funds across Missouri. "I'll be using my bully pulpit to encourage those pension funds to utilize this particular ETF from Vanguard," he said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vanguard new ex-China ETF followed push from Missouri Republicans
By Suzanne McGee and Ross Kerber (Reuters) -Investment manager Vanguard's new exchange-traded fund targeting emerging markets outside of China appears to have followed a push from the Missouri State Treasurer's office for products excluding Chinese stocks. The product highlights a new front in the decoupling of economic links between the U.S. and China as a result of the trade war U.S. President Donald Trump has begun between the world's two largest economies. Vanguard filed on May 30 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch the Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF. Vivek Malek, Missouri's Treasurer, told Reuters the announcement came six weeks after a series of requests and meetings with Vanguard, a claim backed by letters and e-mails reviewed by Reuters. Malek successfully pushed for the state's pension fund to divest from publicly traded Chinese stocks in December 2023 and also pressed for a China-free fund option for the state's $4.5 billion 529 educational savings plan in an April 14 letter to the plan's program manager working with Vanguard. "I believe we moved the needle in the direction that helped them reach this decision," Malek said. Vanguard did not directly comment on Malek's statements, citing quiet period restrictions on discussing fund products still under SEC review. A Vanguard spokesman said the firm's goal is to offer investors of all kinds of lower-cost options. Had Vanguard not filed for its ex-China ETF when it did, the firm risked losing its position as the main provider of investment products in the state's 529 plan, Malek said. Next year, Missouri will be reconsidering which asset managers will be entrusted with those savings, and one of the conditions any firm must meet will be offering a fund that excludes Chinese stocks, Malek said. MORE EX-CHINA PRODUCTS Ex-China ETFs have been launched with growing frequency within the last three years, according to Morningstar, and Vanguard's ETF would bring the total to 13, four of which debuted in 2024. Like other Republicans, Malek has been a critic of investments in China and made removing them from state investment portfolios a political objective. In his April 14 letter, Malek pointed to economic, legal and geopolitical risks associated with Chinese stocks, adding these are "real, accelerating and incompatible with long-term fiduciary responsibility". Malek's staff met with Vanguard executives in early May, according to e-mails reviewed by Reuters, ahead of a May 21 meeting of the board of trustees for the Missouri college savings plan, the agenda for which included discussion of other investment options excluding China. On May 30, Vanguard advised the Missouri Treasurer's office that it would be launching the ex-China ETF. At nearly the same time as the e-mail was sent, it filed with the SEC. "Typically, the product development cycle is a matter of months, not weeks, so it's quite possible that Vanguard had already been looking at this as an area to explore," said Bryan Armour, an ETF analyst at Morningstar. Malek said he sees the new ETF as an example of effective collaboration between conservative state treasurers and asset managers. Since Vanguard has responded favorably to his request, Malek plans to make sure the new ETF is a success, pointing out that he has influence with the 120 or so other smaller pension funds across Missouri. "I'll be using my bully pulpit to encourage those pension funds to utilize this particular ETF from Vanguard," he said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
