Geopolitical events
On July 27, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the "Critical Mineral Preservation Act," imposing immediate export quotas on refined lithium and cobalt. This strategic policy aims to secure domestic industrial stockpiles as the West Asia War continues to destabilize global logistics and energy markets. A spokesperson for the Ministry characterized the intervention as a "necessary measure to ensure national economic resilience amidst the ongoing paralysis of international trade corridors."