In 2010, 97% of the world's supply of rare earth elements (REE) came from mines in China. Global demand tripled from 40,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes between 2000 and 2010 while China steadily cut its annual exports. Fears of a crisis in Western countries increased as alternative supplies of these materials were sought. REE were used in a number of products, including in the military industry. Reports indicated that the US defence industry was "totally dependent" on imports of REE and advised defence contractors to try to limit their dependence on these materials as well as to actively seek substitutes. The United States faced the challenge of rebuilding domestic REE supplies to achieve self-sufficiency and protect the environment.

With the world's population estimated to grow by 40% by 2050, an additional supply of grains, meat and dairy products would be required. Concerns over the global food supply have increased. Also, with China's growing urbanisation and increase in per capita incomes, there was additional pressure on the demand for food products. However, with arable land being fixed and in short supply the constraint on the supply side was more acute. The issue of food shortages was taken a lot more seriously in China than it was in other countries around the world, because the Chinese government's memories of the Great Famine in China between 1958 and 1961 were still too recent to take the matter lightly.

Trade between China and Africa was estimated to have quadrupled between 2000 and 2008, with China becoming Africa's third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. Trade relationships between China and Africa were mainly concentrated in three areas: primary resources from Africa to China; cheap manufactured goods and FDI from China to Africa, including new investment opportunities such as land acquisition; and outsourcing of farm production, particularly of staples and biofuels. It was estimated that by 2009, 1 million Chinese farmers were working in Africa. Africa had large extensions of fertile land available, although the lack of infrastructure (not only for farming activities themselves but also for transport) and political factors such as land ownership, corruption and governance were serious issues. This case discusses China's growing businesses with Africa and the risks that these can entail, particularly for Chinese state-owned enterprises.

This case discusses the housing registration system that was implemented in China in the late 1950s and categorized individuals into two groups: urban and rural. This was a status that individuals were born with and passed from one generation to the next. It not only defined their place of residence and work, but also the social benefits, housing, healthcare and education they were entitled to. In the period after 1978, with reforms in rural areas and the development of urban coastal areas, cheap labor flocked to the cities. With over 200 million migrants to urban areas in 20 years, the housing registration system prevented many from finding proper jobs, housing, healthcare and education. The Chinese government embarked on a number of reforms with varying degrees of success. This case highlights rural-urban disparities and the resulting migration to urban areas.

In the negotiated year 2005/2006, Brazilian iron ore giant Vale, negotiated a 71% price increase with its Chinese customers. For the same period, Australian BHP asked for a premium reflecting the freight cost differentials between shipping iron ore to China from Australia versus Brazil. This demand was later dropped due to strong opposition from Chinese steelmakers. In the negotiated year 2007/2008, following price increases of 65-71% negotiated by Vale, the other Australian Iron ore giant, Rio Tinto, demanded and obtained a premium that saw the total increase in prices reach 200% from the previous year. This case analyses the motivations behind these price negotiations in the light of BHP's intended hostile takeover of Rio Tinto, which would result not only in a combined market share of almost 40% in the production of traded iron ore but a monopoly in the supply of Australian iron ores. This case can be used in business classes, negotiation and strategy as will provide students with different aspects of the negotiation process. Issues such as hostile takeovers, pricing, market share and business relations are discussed in this case.

In April 2001, Japan curbed imports on three Chinese farm products--fresh shiitake mushrooms, rushes for grass mats, and Chinese onions. In retaliation, in June 2001 China imposed a 100% punitive tariff on imports of three Japanese export products--motor vehicles, mobile phones, and air conditioners. Japan was accused of violating WTO rules. The dispute was subsequently resolved, but given that China was not a WTO member at the time of the dispute, the dispute generated a lot of controversy regarding trade safeguard measures. Introduces students to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and compares it to the old GATT system, and highlights the role of political interest groups in trade policy. Questions whether Japan had a case for citing their safeguard measures or was it just protecting its powerful shiitake mushroom farmers. In addition, questions whether WTO membership would in turn protect China from trade disputes such as this one.

As the largest iron ore consumer and steel producer, China accounted for 35% of world iron ore imports and over 25% of world steel production. Two-thirds of the iron ore market was dominated by only three companies--Australian-owned BHP Billiton Ore (BHPBIO or BHP), Rio Tinto Hamersley Iron Unit (RTHI), and Brazilian-owned Companhia Vale do Rio Doce SA (CVRD). In February 2005, following a deal between CVRD and Nippon Steel, the price of iron ore increased by 71.5%. This deal, together with the advantage of lower-cost freight advantages for Australian iron ore, led BHP to ask for an extra charge from Chinese companies. Chinese steel producers strongly opposed this demand and in April 2005 the proposed price increase was dropped for the sake of future trade relations with China. However, BHP was still keen on implementing it in the future.

Studies the allocation of airport slots. As airline traffic increases, slots become scarce. Well-established airlines have historically determined rights to these slots, which limits the possibilities for new entrants to the market. In addition, sometimes, the airlines do not make efficient use of their slots. It is often argued that this allocation system has to be revised to ensure economic efficiency. Several countries are considering this issue, which is often met with strong opposition from well-established airlines. Congestion in Hong Kong airport is increasing and the question whether Hong Kong should liberalize its allocation system is under debate.