Australia Challenges China's Rare Earths Supply as UK Enters Indian Market and Kenya Exports to China - August 2025

Australia is investing heavily with a billion-dollar loan to mining company Iluka Resources to challenge China's dominance in the global supply chain for rare earth minerals. This move aims to create an alternative source for materials essential for electric vehicles and defense equipment. In another major trade development, the India-UK free trade agreement has opened India’s government procurement market to UK suppliers. This provides UK businesses access to 40,000 high-value tenders worth £38bn in previously protected sectors. Separately, Kenya successfully exported 54 tons of macadamia nuts to Hunan, China. This shipment is part of a government initiative to boost exports and is the first batch of an expected 2,000 tons by the end of 2025.