Carbon neutrality stocks have attracted market attention recently. In December 2020, the Central Economic Work Conference determined that promoting a peak in coal consumption and carbon neutrality are one of the key tasks to be focused in 2021. China is aiming to improve the system that caps both national carbon intensity－carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP－and energy consumption, as it strives to reach a peak in carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether. It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture, and industrial processes. Carbon neutrality is expected be an important part of the "Two Sessions" and the "14th Five-Year Plan” to be held this week. 

Prices of rare earths have skyrocketed over the recent months. For instance, listed prices of terbium oxide soaring 500,000 yuan/mt to 5.8 million yuan/mt at end-November 2020. The soaring prices of rare earths is mainly due to the rapidly increasing demand while supply remains tight. In 2021, the prices of rare earth products are likely to be strongly supported by demand and remain firm.

With the advancement of the NEV industry, battery technologies has become the highlight in the New Energy Cobalt-Lithium industry, especially the solid-state battery considering its outstanding performance in energy density and safety. 

As China returns from the week long CNY holidays in end-February, SMM tracks down the inventory and operating rate across smelters and producers of the metals industry.

China's new energy vehicle market demand has grown rapidly, leading to stronger demand for ternary and iron-lithium materials. The global supply of nickel and cobalt raw materials is tightening, and the increase in downstream demand will support the rise of lithium prices in 2021.

North China's Hebei Province has entered "wartime mode” since January 5 to battle the new COVID-19 infections. The epicentre of the Hebei outbreak is the provincial capital of Shijiazhuang, with 11 million people under lockdown.

Manufacturing activities across nickel downstream sectors in China returned to expansion in December, according to SMM survey. 

China will adjust the most favored nation (MFN) rate, conventional tariff and provisional tariff on some commodities from January 1, 2021, the Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council said on Wednesday December 23.

China has adopted a new energy security strategy, vowing to promote reforms in energy supply and consumption, market building and innovation while strengthening international cooperation, according to a white paper released Monday

The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from last Wednesday to Friday, as Chinese leaders charted course for the economy in 2021.