RE:RE:Ran Across ThisI was more concerned about the facts of what China is no longer importing, the pollution angle, and the effects on supply and pricing.
It was the only article that I had seen regarding these events, I should probably peruse the weekly email from VRB closer as I may have missed it elsewhere.
Given the number of important, if not strategic, metals that China is the leading/largest supplier of, I have been wondering if China will pull the plug (and the narrative on why) on certain exports as a part of a covert trade war or other retaliation against Trump. Or possibly pulling an overt 1970's oil embargo type of supply restriction and price hike. While still maintaining production for your own needs and selective exports to favored nations.
Remember that China stopped industrial production around Bejing three weeks before the summer Olympics to try to, literally, clear the air. It didn't work completely. They also repeated that for a month for a business conference either last year or the year before. What better way to justify constricting export supply and raising prices on materials you control large percentages of than to justify it under pollution or global warming grounds. And, you get to metaphorically stick a fork in the eye of someone irritating you.