Latest news with #non-China
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
India must enhance its potential as trade and tech partner, and look beyond US
Aap up and away, kya? What is the nature of India's current foreign policy problem, or at least predicament? Donald Trump's episodic statements and social media posts are attention-grabbing. His inner circle's pay-as-you-go diplomacy is alarming. The endless, but unavoidable, wait for tranche 1A of the bilateral trade deal is exasperating. Yet, tactical responses (or non-responses) to any or all of these should not detain us from a strategic re-appraisal. The US' retrenchment from global commitments is creating gaps in three areas - the world's trade and economic system; security frameworks; and provision of international public goods. There is far from a total withdrawal, but the 800-pound gorilla is slimming down to a 700-pound gorilla. What's more, the fat is not being reduced evenly across sectors, regions and geographies. As such, there is the 'known unknown' of the quantum of decline - the notional 100 pounds - but also an 'unknown unknown' of the consistency of American retrenchment: the where, when and for how long. No one nation, partnership or coalition can fill the gap America leaves. This is as true for consumer demand as it is for security architecture. To be sure, different groupings can address some of the gaps in different regions and domains. Read along with fitful, but still inexorable, US-China great power competition, this is leading to two parallel processes of hedging for countries such as India: Tech & security: There's straightforward hedging between the US and China in the digital and strategic technology spheres, as well as security and security-adjacent domains. Here, the space for hedging is like many others, is making its choices. These choices are systemic choices. They have a greater resilience and buy-in in US government agencies, and tech and business constituencies. They will advance with or without the White House's outright support. Sometimes they could even do so in spite of it. Of course, pace and visibility will be modulated. US plus one: Then, a second process involves hedging between the US and like-minded, non-China partners. Here, the space for hedging is actually expanding. Actors such as India seek, if not alternatives, then at least complements and supplements to their export and trade, supply chains, defence and security, and tech relationships with the US. Skewed dependencies are sought to be mitigated to the degree possible. There are attempts to diversify. India and Europe looking to do more together in trade, defence supply chains and innovation is one example. India-Australia cooperation in rare earths is another. Increasing partnerships involving non-US Quad countries, as well as non-Quad countries, in the Indo-Pacific is a said that, in some domains, even a partial withdrawal of the US footprint is so substantial that no new arrangement can entirely fill it. Nevertheless, it is what it is. Volatility and unpredictability are now a way of then, does India navigate the Trumpian age? Revisit the basics. In 1991 (liberalisation), 2000 (Y2K), 2014 (Modi mandate), or 2020-21 (post-Covid), excitement about India was rooted in its potential as a trade and tech partner, as a market for key countries, and as a possible sourcing and supply chains hub for many more. Everything else - cultural and civilisational wealth, democratic and transparency credentials - was, and remains, a useful add-on. Minus economic leverage, India is not a vishwa guru, or even a vishwa mitra; it is a vishwa also-ran. In a time of tariffs and turbulence, with global trade rules being upended and the whole notion of most favoured nation being hollowed out, India once more needs to make its economy and trade attributes the headline of its external strategy. It is not enough to conclude free trade agreements - more accurately, feasible trade agreements - with, depending on who in the government is describing it, 'complementary economies', 'partners to our West' or 'rich countries'. The game is much more gritty, granular and painstaking. India offering a meaningful trade relationship, an economic stake or a supply chain must-have to as many countries as possible is the hard, slow and relentless mechanism to building foreign policy leverage. In such a reckoning, they are simply no non-partners - no countries one can afford to ignore. There will be limitations to what India can do with China and Pakistan, but aside from that, India will need to strive to make itself indispensable to some economic imperative or the other with about every will include individual Asean countries, neighbouring countries - in some of which reckless application of Indian quality control orders (QCOs) has caused legitimate pushback - as well as problem countries such as Turkiye. In the end, what unique economic stake and proposition India offers another nation is the best metric of its foreign policy influence. An aggregation of such stakes and propositions will make for composite national relevance in a smash-and-grab world Minister Narendra Modi's two visits this week - to the UK to conclude a trade deal that, among other things, could give Scotch a market advantage over bourbon, and to the Maldives, where bloody-minded economic engagement has outlasted political acerbity - offer a glimpse of what could be. There'll still be about 200 countries to go. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. From near bankruptcy to blockbuster drug: How Khorakiwala turned around Wockhardt Paid less than plumbers? The real story of freshers' salaries at Infy, TCS. What if Tata Motors buys Iveco's truck unit? Will it propel or drag like JLR? As deposit ground slips under PSU banks' feet, they chase the wealthy If data is the new oil, are data centres the smokestacks of the digital age? Stock Radar: M&M likely to break out from 1-year consolidation range; time to buy? Will consumer stocks see a comeback this festive season? 12 stocks to keep an eye on even when analysts are not bullish Don't fear volatility, focus on businesses: 5 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 27% Best way to deal with volatility, just ' Hold' for wealth creation: 7 large-cap stocks with an upside potential of up to 41%
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ReElement Technologies Corporation and Impossible Metals Announce Collaboration on First U.S. Deep Sea Nodule Refinement Program
Joint effort aims to create a sustainable, domestic supply chain for rare earth and critical minerals from deep sea nodules Impossible Metals is an innovative sustainable deep sea nodule harvesting company ReElement is commercially producing magnet-, specialty- and defense-grade, separated critical minerals and rare earth oxides in the United States FISHERS, IN / / July 21, 2025 / American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC) ("American Resources" or the "Company"), along with its holding in ReElement Technologies Corporation ("ReElement"), a leading U.S. innovator in rare earth element (REE) and critical mineral refining, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Impossible Metals, Inc. ("Impossible Metals"), a pioneer in sustainable deep-sea nodule harvesting. The MOU outlines a strategic collaboration to jointly investigate developing and deploying a vertically integrated critical mineral supply chain solution, combining Impossible Metals' proprietary nodule collection technology with ReElement's innovative and industry-leading critical mineral refining platform to create a globally competitive, sustainable, and independent rare earth supply chain in the United States. Key highlights of the MOU include: Focus on essential elements: Copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements. Joint commitment to explore a sustainable, non-China critical mineral supply chain to meet growing global demand. Toll-processing framework: ReElement to refine deep sea nodules and deliver separated minerals to Impossible Metals' customers. Strategic collaboration to enhance and secure the global critical mineral value chain and identify further joint opportunities. Integration of ReElement's platform, delivering high-throughput, low-waste, cost-effective refining of ultra-pure critical minerals. End-to-end U.S. supply chain: From seabed mining in federal waters near American Samoa to refining operations in Indiana. The MOU follows President Trump's April 2025 Executive Order, Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, which underscores the urgency of domestic collaboration across the exploration, harvesting, processing, and environmental stewardship of seabed mineral resources. Impossible Metals has played a direct role in shaping global policy on responsible seabed mining. At the regulatory level, Impossible Metals successfully requested the Department of the Interior to initiate permitting for deep-sea minerals in U.S. federal waters and has personally updated members of the U.S. Congress on the importance of this unique feedstock. On the technical front, Impossible Metals is preparing to deploy Eureka III in 2026 - the commercial embodiment of its autonomous underwater collection platform. The system is capable of selectively collecting polymetallic nodules without disturbing visible life and builds on years of successful prototype development and in-ocean trials. Mark Jensen, CEO and Chairman of ReElement, commented, "I have known Oliver for over 4 years now and the scientific and technical progress he and his team have made is extremely impressive. We're excited to bring ReElement's advanced refining capabilities to this important mission and serve as the toll processor for materials essential to America's energy and defense security." Oliver Gunasekara, CEO and Co-Founder of Impossible Metals, added, "We're thrilled to begin our collaboration with ReElement. Both of our teams share a clear vision for establishing an efficient, scalable, and 100% U.S. mining-to- processing supply chain for the critical materials necessary for defense and advanced industrial purposes." The agreement marks another key milestone in the journey to deliver U.S.-processed, high-purity rare earth products to the global value chain and reinforces both companies' commitment to building a resilient, environmentally sound and sustainable supply network. About Impossible Metals Impossible Metals (YC, Public Benefit Corporation) is a North American underwater robotics company unleashing sustainable critical minerals from the deep ocean. The company has built the Eureka collection system, which is the world's first autonomous underwater robotics platform for selectively collecting polymetallic nodules while preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem. About American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ: AREC) American Resources Corporation is a leader in the critical mineral supply chain, developing innovative solutions both upstream and downstream of the refining process. The company and its affiliates focus on the extraction and processing of metallurgical carbon and iron ore, essential ingredients in steelmaking, as well as critical and rare earth minerals for the electrification market and recycled metals. Leveraging its affiliation and former parent status of ReElement Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements, American Resources is investing in and developing efficient upstream and downstream critical mineral operations. These operations include mining interests in conventional and unconventional sources, recycling, and manufacturing. American Resources has established a nimble, low-cost business model centered on growth, which provides a significant opportunity to scale its portfolio of assets to meet the growing global infrastructure and electrification markets while also continuing to acquire operations and significantly reduce their legacy industry risks. Its streamlined and efficient operations are able to maximize margins while reducing costs. For more information visit or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About ReElement Technologies Corporation ReElement Technologies Corporation, a portfolio company of American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC), is a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements. Its multi-mineral, multi-feedstock platform technology focuses on the refining of recycled material from rare earth permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, concentrated ores and brines, as well as coal-based waste streams and byproducts to create a cost effective and environmentally-safe, circular supply chain. ReElement has developed its innovative and scalable "Powered by ReElement" process which collaboratively utilizes its exclusively licensed intellectual property within its partners' material processing flow sheets to more efficiently support the global supply chain's growing demand for magnet and battery-grade products. For more information visit or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Learn more about ReElement Technologies' process and technology here - Video. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond American Resources Corporation's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved. Investor Contact:JTC Team, LLCJenene Thomas(908) 824 - 0775arec@ Media Inquiries:Marjorie Weisskohl703-587-1532mweisskohl@ Company Contact:Mark LaVerghetta317-855-9926 ext. 0investor@ SOURCE: American Resources Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple pours $500 million into MP Materials in rare earths power move — Pentagon-backed deal sends MP stock soaring 11% to $53.85
Apple has announced a $500 million investment in MP Materials, the only U.S.-based rare earth mine. The deal includes building two new U.S. facilities — one in Mountain Pass, California, for recycling rare earths, and another in Fort Worth, Texas, to produce magnets for Apple products. This move aligns with President Trump's push to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals and strengthen national security. Just days earlier, the Department of Defense also invested $400 million in MP Materials, calling it a major step in creating a domestic rare earth supply chain. The deal comes as tensions with China continue to loom over global technology supply chains, especially when it comes to rare earths—materials that power everything from iPhones to electric vehicles. This bold step isn't just about business—it's about national security, tech independence, and a cleaner future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Un simple sorbo antes de acostarse purifica el hígado y derrite la grasa del vientre Lulutox Undo According to Reuters, this deal marks one of Apple's biggest efforts to invest directly in U.S. production infrastructure. MP Materials, the company behind the only operating rare-earth mine in the country, will play a key role in making magnets from 100% U.S.-sourced and recycled materials. Why is Apple investing $500 million in MP Materials? Apple's $500 million investment in MP Materials isn't just another supply deal—it's a full-on strategic play to protect its future. Live Events Right now, China dominates over 90% of the global rare earth magnet production, a critical part in devices like iPhones, AirPods, and Macs. These magnets power the haptics, speakers, and other essential components. Any disruption in China's exports can cause serious ripple effects across the industry. With this investment, Apple is backing the expansion of MP's domestic magnet factory in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as a new recycling line at the Mountain Pass facility in California. These magnets are made from neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), one of the most valuable rare earth elements. According to BusinessWire, MP will start shipping these magnets to Apple by 2027—and they're expected to go into hundreds of millions of Apple devices. How does this deal benefit MP Materials? For MP Materials, this isn't just a cash boost—it's validation and long-term business security. The company has already been scaling up with government support. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense awarded MP a $400 million contract to expand rare earth processing capacity. Add in Apple's funding, and the company now has a strong mix of public and private backing. MP plans to produce 10,000 metric tons of rare-earth magnets a year by 2028, up from the current output of 1,000 tons. That's a tenfold increase, and it could make MP the largest non-China producer in the world. This investment comes with real jobs too—MP's expansion in Fort Worth and Mountain Pass is expected to create over 500 new direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs in the next few years. What's happening with MP Materials stock after Apple's investment? Investors loved the Apple deal. MP Materials' stock, trading under the ticker MP, shot up as much as 12% in pre-market trading on the day of the announcement. As of midday Tuesday, shares were trading at $48.52, up around 3.4% on the day. The rally isn't just about Apple. MP stock has had a wild ride in 2025, surging over 217% in the past year, according to Barron's. The company has gained ground as global investors search for non-China rare earth sources. Analyst ratings are also rising. Canaccord Genuity raised its price target from $27 to $55 . Baird sees a fair value at $52 . Yet, MarketBeat still shows a cautious average target of $31 , reflecting the uncertainty around execution. Still, this momentum—backed by both Apple and the Pentagon—is hard to ignore. MP now has both defense and tech demand locked in , which could reduce its reliance on short-term market cycles. MP Materials stock reaction MP stock surged 11% after Apple's investment was reported, hitting around $53.85. It had already jumped over 50% following the Pentagon's announcement. Year-to-date, MP shares are up 90–110%, with analysts raising price targets up to $55. What about Apple stock? Apple stock moved slightly higher (~0.2%), trading near $208–209. Investors see it as a smart long-term supply-chain strategy, though the market reaction was mild. Why is this rare-earth magnet deal so important for the U.S.? This deal is about more than magnets. It's about controlling the future of clean energy, defense, and consumer tech. Rare-earth magnets power electric vehicles , wind turbines , drones , and fighter jets . By bringing this supply chain home, Apple and MP are reducing reliance on China while helping the U.S. gain control over a critical technology sector. The U.S. government has been pushing for this kind of investment for years. Now with Apple stepping in, private industry is finally matching that urgency. It's also a win for sustainability—MP's recycling plans mean less mining and less waste. With Apple now in the game, expect more tech companies to follow. This could be the start of a major reshaping of how rare-earth supply chains work—and who controls them. Is this a turning point for U.S. tech supply chains? The story of Apple investing $500 million in MP Materials is more than just business—it's a signal that big tech is ready to bring critical manufacturing home. With rare-earth magnets at the center of modern devices, this deal could shape the next decade of innovation. MP now has momentum, government support, and a flagship customer. Apple gets security, sustainability, and control. The market is watching closely—and so are competitors. If all goes as planned, the U.S. could finally break its rare-earth dependency and set the tone for tech production going forward. FAQs: What is Apple's $500 million MP Materials deal about? Apple is investing $500M in MP Materials to boost U.S. rare earth production and reduce China reliance. What does MP Materials do? MP Materials is a U.S.-based company that owns and operates the only rare earth mine in America. MP Materials mines and processes rare earth elements used in magnets for electronics, defense systems, and electric vehicles.
Observer
10-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May
LONDON/NEW YORK: The value of apparel imports from China to the US fell in May to its lowest monthly level in 22 years, according to latest trade data, highlighting the impact of steep US tariffs. China has for years been the biggest exporter of clothes to the US, but its share of the US apparel market has fallen as trade relations between the world's two biggest economies soured. US President Donald Trump ratcheted tariffs up to as much as 145% in April, driving more US retailers to reduce purchases from Chinese factories in favor of Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and elsewhere. "The sharp decline in US apparel imports from China in May 2025 was anything but natural," said Sheng Lu, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. The US imported $556 million worth of clothing from China in May, down from $796 million in April, and the fourth straight month of declines, according to US International Trade Commission (USITC) data. The last time monthly imports were lower than that was May 2003. Earlier in the year, anticipating Trump's tariffs, US retailers stocked up: the value of apparel imports from China in January was $1.69 billion, up 15% from the $1.47 billion a year earlier. Despite a recent trade deal between the US and China, most leading US fashion companies still plan to reduce their China exposure further, if not totally move out of the country, Lu said. The same pattern is visible in demand from US retailers for factory inspections. Auditing firm QIMA said its data, based on thousands of inspections and audits worldwide, shows US sourcing from China fell by nearly a quarter in the second quarter from a year earlier, while demand in Southeast Asia grew 29%. Another early winner was Mexico, according to the USITC data. In May the US imported $259 million worth of apparel from its southern neighbor, up 12% from a year ago. QIMA said in its note that the shift out of China is not new and Southeast Asia's share of US sourcing has been steadily growing since mid 2023. "While the US administration's tariff policies took several sharp turns during Q2 2025, the procurement patterns of US-based brands and retailers have stayed largely within the bounds of long-standing trends established before this year's escalation," QIMA said. The coming months may put US supply chains to a new test, QIMA said, as the temporary pause on tariffs for most non-China countries will soon expire, coinciding with the kick-off of holiday season procurement.— Reuters
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May
LONDON/NEW YORK: The value of apparel imports from China to the US fell in May to its lowest monthly level in 22 years, according to the latest trade data, highlighting the impact of steep US tariffs. China has for years been the biggest exporter of clothes to the US, but its share of the US apparel market has fallen as trade relations between the world's two biggest economies soured. US President Donald Trump ratcheted tariffs up to as much as 145 per cent in April, driving more US retailers to reduce purchases from Chinese factories in favour of Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and elsewhere. "The sharp decline in US apparel imports from China in May 2025 was anything but natural," said Sheng Lu, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. The US imported US$556 million worth of clothing from China in May, down from US$796 million in April, and the fourth straight month of declines, according to US International Trade Commission (USITC) data. The last time monthly imports were lower than that was May 2003. Earlier in the year, anticipating Trump's tariffs, US retailers stocked up: the value of apparel imports from China in January was US$1.69 billion, up 15 per cent from the US$1.47 billion a year earlier. Despite a recent trade deal between the US and China, most leading US fashion companies still plan to reduce their China exposure further, if not totally move out of the country, Lu said. The same pattern is visible in demand from US retailers for factory inspections. Auditing firm QIMA said its data, based on thousands of inspections and audits worldwide, shows US sourcing from China fell by nearly a quarter in the second quarter from a year earlier, while demand in Southeast Asia grew 29 per cent. Another early winner was Mexico, according to the USITC data. In May, the US imported US$259 million worth of apparel from its southern neighbour, up 12 per cent from a year ago. QIMA said in its note that the shift out of China is not new and Southeast Asia's share of US sourcing has been steadily growing since mid-2023. "While the US administration's tariff policies took several sharp turns during Q2 2025, the procurement patterns of US-based brands and retailers have stayed largely within the bounds of long-standing trends established before this year's escalation," QIMA said. The coming months may put US supply chains to a new test, QIMA said, as the temporary pause on tariffs for most non-China countries will soon expire, coinciding with the kick-off of holiday season procurement.
