Up and down in raw material prices? 5 reasons you should know

Between soaring and plummeting - the prices of strategic metals are often subject to strong fluctuations. We explain the global developments behind this and what this means for buyers of tangible assets. The prices of raw materials such as rare earths or platinum group metals can swing sharply upwards or downwards. The markets are volatile, i.e. susceptible to fluctuations, as the value is determined solely by [...]

2025 will be characterised by strategic warehousing

This young year is characterised by (in)security of supply. Companies in Europe should act now to avoid supply disruptions by stockpiling critical raw materials and secure their production capacity. Europe is particularly dependent on a few countries such as China for its demand for strategic metals. The geopolitical tensions of the past [...]

E-mobility in crisis? A look at three important car markets

Time and again, the German press reports on a sales crisis and buyers' reluctance to embrace emission-free mobility. But what is the truth behind these statements and what is the situation in the much larger car markets of the USA and China? In our market commentary, we take a look at different countries and describe how the situation [...]

Rare earths: China's long road to success as a raw materials giant

The rare earth industry in China has undergone a remarkable transformation: From partly uncontrolled mining of raw materials and countless participants to a highly regulated and manageable industry. This market consolidation was planned for decades. China's dominance in the production of rare earths is undisputed. The country has the largest known reserves of these crucial raw materials [...]

Country focus Myanmar: Raw material supplier for heavy rare earths and a source of unrest

Country focus Myanmar: Raw material supplier for heavy rare earths and unrest factor Myanmar's importance as a supplier of particularly critical heavy rare earths is in question following the military coup. Political uncertainties and export problems could jeopardise the supply chain. The current developments emphasise the need to examine alternative sources of supply. When it comes to rare earths, one of the first thoughts in [...]

Rare earths in cars - from spark plugs to air conditioning systems

Rare earths are primarily known for their use in electric car engines. However, they are also irreplaceable in conventional vehicles - whether in the manufacturing process or as part of a vehicle component. The raw material group of rare earths is essential for the expansion of electromobility and therefore also for the transport transition. However, strategic metals are not only [...]