According to Experts.news, in 2024 Ukraine ranked 35th in the world in terms of the number of patent applications filed, with 2,559 applications, while China remains the undisputed global leader with 1.828 million applications, according to an analysis of global patent activity prepared by Volodymyr Khaustov, scientific secretary of the State Institution “Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,” and published by the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center.
Ranking of Countries by Number of Patent Applications in 2024
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Intellectual Property Indicators, Table A60 “Patent applications by office and origin, 2024”; calculations and systematization are presented in a study by Volodymyr Khaustov and the Experts Club analytical center.
Primary aluminum production in the Gulf countries totaled 293,000 metric tons in July, down 44% from the same month in 2025, according to preliminary estimates by the International Aluminum Institute (IAI).
Production volumes continue to remain near their lowest level in more than fifteen years due to the impact of the military conflict in the Middle East on plant operations in the region. Two plants in the Gulf countries, which account for about 9% of global primary aluminum production capacity, were attacked by Iran in late March.
However, production has risen slightly from the local low of 274,000 metric tons recorded in April. In May, production totaled 281,000 metric tons, and in June, 276,000 metric tons, according to revised IAI data.
Emirates Global Aluminium reported in August that the resumption of operations at its Al-Tawil plant (Abu Dhabi) following an emergency shutdown in March is proceeding faster than expected. However, a return to previous production levels may not occur until early 2027 at the earliest. The plant, which has an annual capacity of 1.5 million metric tons, is currently operating at approximately 18% of capacity.
Global primary aluminum production in July fell by 1.7% year-over-year to 6.16 million metric tons. In particular, production in China rose by 2.7% to 3.866 million metric tons. In North America, the figure remained unchanged (330,000 metric tons); in Europe, it rose by 7.5% (to 643,000 metric tons); and in Asia, excluding China, it increased by 2.7% (to 422,000 metric tons).
For a more detailed overview of global aluminum production from 1970 to 2024, watch the video on the Experts Club YouTube channel.
China retained its status as the world’s largest zinc producer at the end of 2025, while Peru and Russia posted the most notable growth among the leading producing countries. Global zinc production returned to growth after several years of sluggish performance, according to the Experts Club information and analytical center.
This is evidenced by data from the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, published on February 6, 2026, and subsequently updated in May. The USGS describes this report as the earliest comprehensive source of data on global mineral production for 2025.
Largest zinc-producing countries in 2025
According to USGS estimates, the ranking of the leading producers is as follows:
| Rank | Country | Mine production in 2025 | Mine production in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 4.10 million tonnes | 4.00 million tonnes |
| 2 | Peru | 1.50 million tonnes | 1.27 million tonnes |
| 3 | Australia | 1.10 million tonnes | 1.10 million tonnes |
| 4 | India | 870,000 tonnes | 870,000 tonnes |
| 5 | Mexico | 780,000 tonnes | 773,000 tonnes |
| 6 | United States | 670,000 tonnes | 759,000 tonnes |
| 7 | Bolivia | 500,000 tonnes | 512,000 tonnes |
| 8 | Russia | 430,000 tonnes | 310,000 tonnes |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 360,000 tonnes | 380,000 tonnes |
| 10 | Sweden | 230,000 tonnes | 239,000 tonnes |
Thus, the ten largest producers accounted for approximately 10.54 million tonnes, or 81% of global mine production, based on the USGS estimate of 13 million tonnes.
China increased production by approximately 2.5% to 4.1 million tonnes and accounted for almost one-third of global mine production. The gap between China and its closest competitors remains enormous: Chinese enterprises mined almost as much zinc as Peru, Australia and India combined.
One of the main changes in 2025 was the increase in mine production in Peru by approximately 18%, to 1.5 million tonnes. The country strengthened its second-place position in the global ranking. The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) linked the growth, in particular, to increased production at the large Antamina polymetallic mine and the recovery of other capacities.
The position of Russia changed significantly. According to USGS estimates, mine production increased from 310,000 tonnes in 2024 to 430,000 tonnes in 2025, allowing the country to move ahead of Kazakhstan and approach Bolivia. One of the key factors was increased production at the new Ozernoye deposit in Buryatia, where concentrate output began in September 2024. The ILZSG also cited the commissioning of Ozernoye as one of the factors behind the growth of European zinc production in 2025.
The United States moved in the opposite direction. U.S. mine production declined by approximately 12%, from 759,000 to 670,000 tonnes. The USGS attributes the decline mainly to lower zinc grades in the ore at the Red Dog mine in Alaska. The mine’s operator, Teck Resources, reported that Red Dog itself reduced zinc production from 555,600 tonnes in 2024 to 462,700 tonnes in 2025.
Why the 2025 ranking does not include separate positions from 11th to 20th
Unlike some previous statistical compilations, the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 does not disclose separate country figures beyond tenth place. Their production is combined under the Other countries category, which accounted for approximately 2 million tonnes of zinc in 2025. Therefore, compiling an accurate top 20 exclusively from publicly available USGS statistics would be incorrect. A detailed ILZSG country database exists, but the complete dataset is available by subscription.
At the same time, notable changes occurred among second-tier producers. Mine production grew particularly rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the commissioning of the Kipushi mine. Ivanhoe Mines reported that this mine alone produced 203,200 tonnes of zinc in concentrate in 2025, compared with approximately 50,000 tonnes during its start-up period in 2024. Thus, the DR Congo has already approached the production volumes of the group of countries immediately following the top ten.
The ILZSG also noted growth in mine production in 2025 in South Africa, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other European countries. Irish mine production recovered following the return of the Tara mine to operation, while additional supply came from new and expanding projects in the DR Congo, Russia and Iran.
Global zinc mine production returned to growth
The USGS estimates global zinc mine production in 2025 at approximately 13 million tonnes, compared with a revised 11.9 million tonnes a year earlier. At the same time, later ILZSG statistics provide a somewhat more conservative market estimate. According to data published by the group on April 23, 2026, global zinc mine production increased by 4.8% in 2025, reaching approximately 12.5 million tonnes. The difference is explained by the timing of the estimates, methodological differences and subsequent data revisions.
The main sources of additional supply were increased mine production in Peru and China, the commissioning and ramp-up to design capacity of new large mines, including Kipushi in the DR Congo and Ozernoye in Russia, as well as the recovery of several European enterprises.
At the same time, the USGS estimates global zinc reserves that are economically recoverable at approximately 240 million tonnes. The largest reserves are concentrated in Australia, with approximately 64 million tonnes, China with 60 million tonnes and Russia with 29 million tonnes. They are followed by Peru with 18 million tonnes and Mexico with 14 million tonnes.
Zinc remains one of the key industrial non-ferrous metals. Its main use is the galvanization of steel to protect it against corrosion, primarily in construction, infrastructure and the automotive industry. Zinc is also used to produce brass, alloys, chemical products and several new energy-storage systems.
CHINA, MINING, PERU, zinc, ZINC MINING
In January–July 2026, Ukraine imported $507.5 million worth of tractors, which is 2% more than during the same period last year, when imports totaled $497.8 million, according to data from the State Customs Service.
However, in July alone, tractor imports fell by 5% compared to July 2025 and by 3% compared to June of this year, to $70.6 million.
Germany was the largest supplier of tractors to Ukraine over the seven-month period, accounting for 19.4% of imports, or $98.3 million.
China supplied nearly the same volume—$98 million, or 19.3% of total imports. The United States ranked third with shipments worth $89.6 million, accounting for nearly 17.7%.
Thus, the three largest countries accounted for about 56.4% of all tractor imports into Ukraine during January–July.
Compared to last year, the supplier structure has changed. In January–July 2025, the United States was the largest supplier with $94.1 million in shipments, followed by China with $87.3 million and Germany with $83.9 million.
Over the year, shipments from Germany increased by approximately 17%, and those from China by more than 12%, while imports from the United States decreased by about 5%.
For the full year of 2025, Ukraine imported tractors worth $845.7 million, which was 7.9% higher than in 2024. The main suppliers at that time were also the United States ($179.7 million), Germany ($145 million), and China ($142.8 million).
Thus, in 2026, the growth in tractor imports continued, but its pace slowed noticeably: over the first seven months, the figure increased by only 2%, and by July, a negative year-over-year trend had already been recorded.
According to Experts.news, the price of aluminum rose in the final trading session of the week following several days of heightened volatility amid risks to supplies from the Middle East, changes in Chinese exports, and expectations of a possible easing of U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum.
On the London Metal Exchange on August 21, the price of aluminum rose by approximately 1.2% to $3,242 per metric ton. Other market indicators throughout the day showed prices ranging from about $3,230 to $3,250 per metric ton.
Over the past month, the metal has risen in price by about 1.8%, and compared to a year ago, aluminum remains nearly 24% more expensive.
Despite the rise during recent trading sessions, the price has fallen significantly from its early June high. At that time, three-month aluminum on the LME climbed to $3,787.5 per metric ton—its highest level in about four years. By mid-August, the price had fallen to approximately $3,270 per metric ton.
The main reason for the June surge was disruptions in supplies from the Middle East amid the conflict with Iran. Before the situation escalated, Gulf states accounted for about 10% of global primary aluminum production. Additional problems arose at plants that relied on gas supplies.
However, China offset a significant portion of the shortfall. In the first half of the year, Chinese exports of aluminum alloys nearly doubled to 238,500 metric tons, while shipments of semi-finished products increased by 18% to 3.2 million metric tons. At the same time, China’s domestic demand remained relatively weak, while primary aluminum production remained at a level close to historic highs.
Chinese companies are currently operating at the limit of the national production capacity cap of 45 million metric tons per year set by Beijing, which restricts the possibility of further rapid production expansion.
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada have become another factor affecting the market. According to Reuters, the parties have moved closer to an agreement that could potentially lower U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum from 50% to 25%. Such a decision could once again increase the appeal of Canadian aluminum shipments to the U.S. and reduce the volume of shipments to Europe.
As a result, the aluminum market is caught between two opposing trends: the recovery and growth of Chinese shipments are capping prices, while geopolitical risks, production constraints, and trade barriers are keeping them significantly higher than last year’s levels.
Earlier, the Experts Club think tank published a short video on global aluminum production from 1970 to 2024. According to the think tank’s analysis, in 2024, China produced about 43 million metric tons of primary aluminum, or approximately 60% of the global total. Next were India—about 4.2 million metric tons, Russia—3.8 million metric tons, Canada—3.3 million metric tons, and the UAE—2.7 million metric tons.
Watch a short Experts Club video on global aluminum production — https://youtube.com/shorts/cVVIjdMZL-w?si=dAUR8Purot4TxLsm
According to Experts Club, the Taiwanese administration plans to include 235.7 billion New Taiwan dollars, or about $7.4 billion, in the 2027 budget for one-time payments to the population. Each recipient is set to receive 10,000 New Taiwan dollars, or approximately $314, according to the island’s chief executive, Lai Ching-te.
Lai described these payments as an opportunity to share the “dividends of artificial intelligence” with the public. However, this does not refer to dividends from companies or a special tax on AI, but rather to a budgetary payment that the government attributes to the sharp acceleration of the economy driven by demand for semiconductors, computing equipment, and other AI-related products.
It is important to note that this is currently a proposal in the draft central budget for 2027, not a payment that has been finally approved by parliament. Lai announced this on August 17 following the executive branch’s review of the budget draft. The plan calls for an increase in spending of NT$235.7 billion while maintaining a balanced budget and, according to the head of the administration, with virtually no new net borrowing.
Taiwan’s strong financial performance allows the government to take this step. The revenue forecast for the 2027 central budget has been raised to NT$3.9266 trillion.
The main reason for the increase in budgetary capacity is the technology boom. According to data from Taiwan’s Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (DGBAS) published on August 14, 2026, the island’s GDP grew by 15.43% year-over-year in the first quarter and by 12.93% in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, the economy grew by approximately 14.15%.
The agency raised its forecast for Taiwan’s GDP growth for the entire year of 2026 from 9.64% to 11.05%. If the forecast holds true, this will be the highest annual growth rate since 1987, when the economy grew by 12.75%. For 2027, the DGBAS expects growth to slow to 6.04%.
Global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure remains the main driver of the economy. The DGBAS expects Taiwan’s real exports of goods and services to increase by 21.28% in 2026, and private investment in fixed capital to rise by 11.58%.
Manufacturing output in the second quarter rose by 18.27%, driven primarily by semiconductors, computers, electronics, and optical products.
Taiwan plays a key role in the global supply chain for state-of-the-art semiconductors. High demand for artificial intelligence equipment and investments by the world’s largest technology companies have led to a sharp increase in production and exports in Taiwan’s electronics industry.
Authorities expect that direct payments will allow the benefits of the technology boom to extend to households and sectors not directly related to semiconductor and AI production. Recipients will be able to use the money as they see fit—for everyday expenses, education, caring for elderly relatives, or other purposes.
Taiwan de facto has its own administration, armed forces, and currency, and independently conducts domestic and economic policy; however, its status under international law remains disputed.
The People’s Republic of China does not recognize Taiwan as a separate state and considers the island part of China’s territory. Beijing adheres to the “One China” principle and requires countries that establish diplomatic relations with the PRC to refrain from having official diplomatic relations with the Taiwan authorities. According to the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with Beijing.
Therefore, most countries in the world do not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, although many maintain close unofficial economic, trade, cultural, and political ties with it through representative offices.
As of August 2026, Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with only 12 countries and the Holy See, including: Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Eswatini, and the Holy See. This list is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan.
At the same time, the lack of official diplomatic recognition does not prevent Taiwan from remaining one of the world’s most important technology economies and a key player in the global semiconductor industry.
artificial intelligence, CHINA, ECONOMY, semiconductors, TAIWAN
