At midday close, China’s front-month commodity futures were mostly lower. Asphalt and SC crude led losses, down over 4%; ethylene glycol (EG) fell nearly 4%; short fiber, methanol and lithium carbonate dropped over 3%; PET flake fell about 3%. Risers included 20# rubber (+>3%), rubber (+>2%), synthetic rubber (~+2%), the China–Europe container shipping route (+>1%), and SHFE nickel, industrial silicon, platinum and apples (around +1%).

A Reuters-obtained document shows the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) plans to provide up to $7 billion of financing for Argentina critical minerals and energy projects to deepen economic ties with Buenos Aires. Sources say the financing will be part of a package due to be announced Wednesday during the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The move aligns with U.S. efforts to expand access to Western Hemisphere energy and critical minerals; Argentina holds large lithium, shale oil and other commodity reserves.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said de‑escalating the Middle East and restoring regional stability is imperative, and it is critical to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe for navigation without imposing any additional costs.