China is emerging a winner from the collapse in commodities prices to the lowest in 12 years as the world’s second-largest economy buys a record amount of raw materials. Imports of crude, copper, iron ore and soybeans climbed to records in 2014 as prices tumbled, customs data showed today. The Bloomberg Commodity Index of 22 energy, agriculture and metal products slid to the lowest level since November 2002 yesterday after dropping 17 percent last year. A rout in energy prices is leading commodities lower amid speculation supplies of raw materials from crude to copper are outpacing demand and as a stronger dollar diminishes their allure. China’s seeking to benefit by boosting purchases and filling its stockpiles even as economic growth slows. “China is taking advantage of an extensive slump in raw material prices to purchase from overseas, which is especially reflected in oil and iron ore,” Guo Chaohui, a […]