China's copper smelters are facing a potential reduction in production from record levels due to a persistent shortage of ore. This development coincides with the Chinese government's intensified campaign against industrial overcapacity. The shortage of raw ore, essential for copper production, raises concerns about a possible supply squeeze in the global copper market. Meanwhile, Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi is seeking to increase its stake in Thai Union Group, the world's largest canned tuna producer, by acquiring an additional 13.81% for $205 million, aiming to deepen collaboration in the seafood business. Mitsubishi plans to launch a tender offer to boost its ownership to 20%, reflecting its strategic focus on expanding in the seafood sector. Additionally, Mitsubishi Materials may scale back copper smelting operations due to worsening margins. In a related development, a shipment of 55 metric tons of antimony mined in Australia, destined for a smelter in Mexico via China's Ningbo port, encountered issues during transshipment starting in April, highlighting complexities in global mineral supply chains.