Global Energy Weekly: A tale of two energy importers

Research evidence excerpt

Global Energy Weekly: A tale of two energy importers

id industrial growth, helping China become a dominant clifton.white@bofa.com

manufacturing power. Meanwhile Europe has experienced relative industrial stagnation Michael Widmer

and become more reliant on Chinese imports. Sectors such as automotive manufacturing CommodityMLI (UK) Strategist

illustrate this contrast clearly, with European production declining and Chinese output +44 20 7996 0694

growing dramatically, aided in part by lower and more stable energy costs. And now, just See Team Page for List of Analysts

like OPEC+ historically tried to set a floor on fuel prices for producers, China seems keen

to set a ceiling as the world’s largest fuel buyer. See abbreviations in Exhibit 35

China’s energy strategy has beaten Europe hands down

China’s resilience during recent energy shocks has been driven by a deliberate strategy

focused on energy security, diversification, and flexibility. The country has built

enormous crude oil inventories (see report: Fill me once, shame on you), expanded

domestic coal production, invested aggressively in renewable energy manufacturing, and

actively managed imports based on price signals. This approach has allowed China to

limit its exposure to volatile global fuel markets while maintaining relatively stable

electricity prices and supporting industrial competitiveness. As a result, China has been

better positioned than Europe to shield both consumers and businesses from external

energy shocks, creating a virtuous circle that has reinforced its leadership in

manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and broader industrial

development. But luckily for Europe, China’s withdrawal from the crude market in May-