Brief China: Confluence of Politics – China Bans Australian Coal Imports (Flash Note) and more

In this briefing:

1. Confluence of Politics – China Bans Australian Coal Imports (Flash Note)
2. The Internet: Hacks, Clicks, and Money
3. China’s Pharmaceutical and TCM Industry
4. ECB, BoJ Suck Wind – EA Threatened with Japanisation
5. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?

1. Confluence of Politics – China Bans Australian Coal Imports (Flash Note)

• China implements coal import caps specifically targeting Australian producers
• Unclear as to how widespread these restrictions will eventually be
• Thermal and metallurgical coal exports affected
• Impacting ~A$8.4Bn of metallurgical coal exports; or 4.4% of national income
• Thermal coal exports affected worth ~A$3.8Bn; or an additional 2% of national income
• Collectively, thermal and metallurgical exports equate to ~0.9% of Australian annual GDP 
• Actions appear to be a response to blocking Huawei bidding for the 5G network
• Recent Chinese cyber-attacks harden Australian Government’s resolve
• Expect similar Chinese measures (in time) to be applied to other commodities and industries

2. The Internet: Hacks, Clicks, and Money

There is this thing called the internet that can be pretty cool sometimes. In all seriousness though, the internet is a driving force for making money and spending money. Last week we took a long look at mobile phones and continuing a deep dive on technology today we take look at the internet in China. This will not be a total encyclopedia but a snap shot of some key features.

3. China’s Pharmaceutical and TCM Industry

Chinese healthcare is fascinating in that one minute you can visit a doctor practicing the latest modern medicine and then stop at the corner store for traditional Chinese medicines specializing in random herbs and fungi. The dichotomy is a truly Chinese experience. However, China is increasingly a manufacturing and therefore export destination for both modern and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM).

4. ECB, BoJ Suck Wind – EA Threatened with Japanisation

By Charles Dumas, Chief Economist

• Monetary stimulus fails export-dependent savings glut countries
• Japan now accepts huge budget deficits and negative interest rates
• EA needs broad structural reform to avoid Japan’s deep malaise

5. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?

Plans regarding Samsung and Huawei’s foldable smartphones are out. The companies, which happen to be two of the largest contenders in the smartphone landscape are expected to unveil their foldable smartphone prototypes this month. In 4Q2018, Samsung, coming in first place, held a market share of 18.7% while Huawei, in third place, held a market share of 16.1%. Both companies are following different strategies when it comes to their foldable phone models.

The concept of foldable phones revolves around devices that can be folded into the size of a smartphone or opened up in to the size of a tablet. Huawei is said to be planning to introduce their foldable smartphone with 5G compatibility while Samsung is planning to release their foldable model with 4G compatibility. The market leader aims to leverage the expertise it has gained on its display technologies in its foldable smartphones.