RT Gaurab Chakrabarti (@Gaurab)The US has a tungsten shortage. China produces over 80% of the world's tungsten. The US produces zero. Our last mine closed in 2015. Beijing added tungsten to its export control list in February 2025 and as a result, exports fell over 40%. Prices surged 557% in thirteen months. Tungsten goes into armor-piercing rounds, jet engine superalloys, and drill bits. With 19.25 g/cm³ and the highest melting point of any metal, nothing fully substitutes. The first Western alternative mi ...

Well, Claraara, the war in Iran is in its third week now. Which countries in Asia are feeling the most pain from this energy shock. And why is that.>> The Asia region as a whole is actually feeling it very acutely, especially if you compare it with the rest of the world. And that's largely just to do with the way that flows um through the Middle East are directed. Um, of course, it won't surprise you to hear that the least economically resilient countries are the ones that are feeling the most immediate pai ...

The shortage of jet engines that’s been plaguing the aviation industry for years is showing signs of easing, with one Asian airline predicting the situation could return to normal in a couple of years https://t.co/YSNyTXNDTc ...

Core Insights - Jim Cramer has discussed Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:WDC) multiple times, highlighting its strong market performance and recent share price increases [1] - Despite the positive momentum, Cramer cautioned that Western Digital may not be the ideal stock to hold, linking its performance to a current shortage in the computer memory storage sector [2] - Analysts, including Rosenblatt, have raised Western Digital's share price target significantly from $165 to $270, maintaining a Buy rating due to factors like heat-assisted devices and strong order demand [1] Group 1 - Western Digital Corporation's shares are performing well in the market, but Cramer warns against investing in the stock [1] - The company is experiencing a shortage that is affecting its ability to meet demand, which is a key factor in its stock performance [2] - Cramer noted the relationship between Western Digital and NVIDIA, suggesting that both cannot experience upward momentum simultaneously [2] Group 2 - Analysts are optimistic about Western Digital's future, citing technological advancements and strong order flow as reasons for the increased price target [1] - The discussion around Western Digital also reflects broader trends in the computer memory storage industry, particularly related to supply shortages [2] - There is a belief that while Western Digital has potential, other AI stocks may offer better returns with lower risk [2]

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency effective Friday over a potential propane shortage for home and commercial heating after a service disruption at a major plant in Pennsylvania https://t.co/jBysYm2ak7 ...

Industry Overview - Commercial explosives are essential for various industries, including construction ($2 trillion), energy ($2.1 trillion), mining ($737 billion), and quarry ($170 billion) [3] - Blasting is the most cost-effective method for mines to fracture rock, reducing the cost of consumer goods manufactured from mine resources [1] Supply Chain and Shortages - The US is facing a shortage of TNT due to the war in Ukraine [2] - NATO and Europe are rearming at a pace not seen since the Cold War, increasing demand on the defense supply chain [3] - A new army-run TNT plant is under construction but is not expected to be operational until 2028 [4] - In the short term, the industry needs to find supplies to meet the demand [4]

Market Trends - A penny shortage is anticipated following the cessation of penny minting [1] - Some retailers are already reporting penny shortages [1] Retail Impact - Kroger's, McDonald's, and Walmart are experiencing penny supply issues [1] - Some retailers are rounding cash prices due to penny scarcity [1]

Industry Overview & Economic Impact - Commercial explosives, particularly TNT, are essential for various industries including construction ($2 trillion), energy ($2.1 trillion), mining ($737 billion), and quarry ($170 billion) [3] - The quarry industry contributes approximately $19.5 billion annually to the US economy and supports around 60,000 jobs [12] - Blasting is the most cost-effective method for mines to fracture rock, reducing the cost of consumer goods manufactured from mined resources [1][24] Supply Chain & Geopolitical Factors - The US faces a shortage of TNT due to increased demand from NATO and Europe rearming since the Russia-Ukraine war [2] - Russia's control of an explosives manufacturing facility in 2022 exacerbated the global supply shortage [6] - The US has become reliant on imports of TNT, previously from Russia and China, and more recently from Poland [6][15] - Tariffs are contributing to significant price increases, with TNT prices rising from $0.50 per pound decades ago to upwards of $20 per pound [17] Domestic Production & Future Solutions - Congress approved the construction of an Army-run TNT plant, expected to be operational by 2028 [3] - Repkon USA was awarded a $435 million contract to build a TNT production facility in Graham, Kentucky, intended for both military and commercial use [4] - The new TNT facility will utilize state-of-the-art automation and a novel waste neutralization process [8] - The US has not produced TNT domestically since 1986 due to market factors and environmental regulations [13] Alternative Explosives & Technologies - Companies are exploring alternative explosives like PETN to reduce the need for TNT, with some considering all-PETN boosters [20][21] - The industry is looking at new technologies like additive manufacturing, AI, and automation to improve efficiency in TNT production [23]

Operational Risks - South Africa's air-traffic controller shortage risks compromising service delivery by the state-owned company managing the nation's airspace [1]