Free Republic

Asian economies are dramatically increasing imports of discounted Russian crude amid global supply disruptions. A temporary U.S. sanctions waiver is enabling more Russian oil to flow into global markets. The shift risks boosting Moscow’s war revenues while exposing the limits of Western energy sanctions. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several major world powers introduced strict sanctions on trade with Moscow. .. However, some countries, such as India and China, have used these sanctions as an excuse to buy discounted crude and gas from Russia, in a bid to reduce costs and boost energy security. Imports of Russian...

China imported approximately 836 tonnes of silver in March, the highest monthly total ever recorded, as demand from the country’s solar manufacturing sector and retail investors simultaneously overwhelmed domestic supply, according to Chinese customs data reported by Bloomberg. The March figure is 78% above February’s 470 tonnes — itself a record for that month — and runs 173% above what March typically sees — the 10-year seasonal average for the month sits at around 306 tonnes. Year-to-date imports through March now stand at approximately 1,626 tonnes, the highest on record for the first quarter. Solar panel manufacturers — China dominates...