China’s imports of major commodities appeared largely steady to even somewhat soft in the first two months of the year. But the bland figures mask some dynamic shifts, which are likely to be exacerbated by the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Official customs data released on Monday showed the world’s biggest commodity buyer imported less crude oil, natural gas, coal and iron ore in January and February, but boosted purchases of copper. China combines data for January and February to account for any distortions caused by the Lunar New Year holidays, which fell in early February this year. Crude oil imports dropped almost […]