China's appetite for commodities is wavering after years of growth

Energy imports in particular plunged in June, capping a weak first half that may foreshadow a rare annual decline in purchases across many commodities

China’s imports of key commodities face some mighty headwinds in the second half, which could spell trouble for the producers around the globe that rely on its economic engine to power demand for their energy, food and materials. 
 

Rapid growth in Asia’s top economy has usually been enough to push imports higher each year, creating a dependable backstop for world consumption and even conjuring the last super-cycle in demand that peaked about a decade ago. But that growth is slowing, due to injuries to the economy that are arguably self-inflicted by government policy, as well as worsening global conditions.

Energy