Only weeks after a swirl of media reports trumpeted that potash soon may become a $65 billion industry for Michigan, the owner of the only potash mine in the state stopped production of the mineral and laid off a dozen workers.
The spot market for copper is extremely tight with premiums over 3-month contracts touching 18-month highs and Indonesia's export ban adding uncertainty.
Statement after annual planning meeting warns of "downward pressure" on the world's second largest economy and the need to take "bold steps" to reform industry.