China’s coal imports fall by 43 percent
China’s coal imports amounted to 49.07 million during the first three months of the year, falling by 43 percent in comparison to the same period last year. This sharp decline can be attributed to a number of reasons, the most significant being China’s recent economic slowdown. As a result, demand from the industrial sector has slumped drastically, particularly as the practice of power plants purchasing extra coal in order to build stockpiles has ceased.
Stricter standards recently implemented for foreign coal so as to boost the domestic market have further accentuated the fall in imports. Yet, Chinese suppliers continue to be inflicted by debt and oversupply, while prices from overseas remain competitive.
Fewer coal purchases has been coupled with stricter regulations for traditional heavy industries as authorities make a more rigorous effort to reduce pollution. “Environmental pollution is a blight on people’s quality of life and trouble that weighs on their hearts,” Premier Li Keqiang told the National People’s Congress last month. “We must fight it with all our might.”
Beijing is also implementing a number of policies to make the country less energy-dependent; such as limiting the number of fuel intensive projects in badly polluted areas. Plans to reduce the annual consumption of coal by 176 million tonnes will have a direct impact on miners from the Western states of the US and Australia; both of which have experienced soaring sales as China’s energy demands rose exponentially during the peak of its economic boom.
Furthermore, as China continues to invest heavily in diversifying its energy mix, many believe that the glory days for international coal suppliers are over. Yet, Australian industry experts remain hopeful that this is not the case; as China continues to grow, the process of industrialisation and urbanisation is set to continue. According to a report published by the Minerals Council of Australia, around nine million people per annum are added to urban areas, thereby propping up China’s electricity consumption and maintaining growing demand – albeit at a slower rate.
Shell to buy BG Group for $69bn
Following a turbulent few months during which falling oil prices have resulted in thousands of job cuts, billions of dollars in stranded assets and a string of less-than-impressive earnings, Royal Dutch Shell has reached an agreement with BG Group to acquire the smaller rival for $69.6bn. The deal, made up of both shares and cash, represents a 52 percent premium price on BG’s shares, as of April 7, and could create a new entity worth close to $300bn.
In the past six months, the price of oil has plummeted some 50 percent, and even the biggest names in the business are struggling to acclimatise to a new low price environment. However, the acquisition, which represents one of the biggest of the year so far, will go some way towards bolstering Shell’s competencies in deep water and LNG.
The combined group will add 25 percent to Shell’s proven oil and gas reserves, whilst also adding another 20 percent onto existing production. The combination also means that BG shareholders will benefit from the dividends enjoyed currently by Shell’s own shareholders and generate tax synergies of close to $2.5bn per annum.
By buying into a lesser rival, Shell is able to increase its reserves base using methods apart from exploration, which, in the current climate, is proving increasingly costly.
“This is an important transaction for Shell, accelerating the delivery of our strategy for shareholders. The result will be a more competitive, stronger company for both sets of shareholders in today’s volatile oil price world,” said Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Shell, in a statement. “Bold, strategic moves shape our industry. BG and Shell are a great fit. This transaction fits with our strategy and our read on the industry landscape around us,” added the Shell CEO Ben van Beurden.
Many people took the Uptown Funk's Mark Ronson and dance to Bruno Mars Cover and posted on social networks. But you can not do well and attract interest as much as this guy yet.
Carson Dean Uptown Funk dance on the exercise equipment in the gym club and posted in his Facebook and Youtube. Simple choreography interesting made her famous Ellen and invited Carson interview and dance to the audience again.
The video was viewed more than 50 million times on Facebook and thousands Comment!
Here are 12 Life resolutions that everybody should make not just for 2014 but for the rest of their life. I hope this video will inspire you to live life not just as a mediocre person but as an outstanding person. It's in my prayers that each and everyone of you realise that you ARE capable of greatness. More than you can ever imagine.
These 12 life rules WILL change your life for the better. Share this with your loved ones to spread the Joy!
- Enjoy life now
- Mind your own business
- Use your mouth carefully
- Live life with appreciation
- Stop comparing
- Let go of the past
- Do yourself a favour and forgive
- Love yourself
- Accept that not everyone will like you
- Give out more and receive more
- Stop worrying
- Teach to learn. Learn to teach.
This video is kind of like a condensed version of everything I've talked about in the past few years. I constantly need to remind myself all of this.
I know a lot of you are totally looking forward for 2014. That's great. To be totally honest, today is just another day to me. Let's not look so far into the future. Please don't let yourself say "Screw this year. I'm ready for next year" when you said this last year and the year before. Now is the only time for happiness because it's the only moment that truly exists. Live life grateful and remember, even if you had a tough year- lessons are blessings too. Truth is, life will throw all sorts of things at you. Learn to see the light in everything.
