The Creative Class

China has moved to curb supply of critical minerals. Can Australia seize the moment?

Marina Yue Chang, Associate Professor, Technology and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney. In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were strategically exempted from tariffs. This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence. Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value. The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime. The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on imported, processed critical minerals. As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources, partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached? China’s new playbook China’s latest restrictions target seven rare earths – such as dysprosium and terbium – crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. While stopping short of a full export ban, the policy functions as a chokepoint. It leverages China’s near-total global control of rare earth refining (around 90%) and its monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). Domestically, China’s rare earth sector is dominated by two state-owned giants which together control nearly 100% of national mining quotas. These measures have exposed the vulnerability of Western supply chains. The US has only one operational rare earth mine […]

Sandvik Coromant to make debut at Australian Manufacturing Week

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will be present at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW aims to showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, bringing in over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is split into different zones from machine tools and additive manufacturing, to manufacturing solutions and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To give visitors a complete solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share the stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will have an advisory booth to consult visitors on how to optimise their current machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and providing support for new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness, a term coined by Sandvik Coromant in 2023, will be at the forefront of discussions. The concept revolves around eight essential habits, including taking a holistic approach, reducing waste, investing in automation and benefitting from strong partners, and acts as a framework for improving operational resilience and future-proofing the manufacturing industry. Sandvik Coromant’s entire offering will be visible through interactive digital displays. The stand will demonstrate Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus® Tool Supply inventory software, installed into the Robocrib TX750 vending machine, a popular solution in Australia and surrounding Asia. This all-in-one tool management software is used to efficiently manage and track assets and equipment by automating the tool supply process. It uses real-time […]

Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy, Infor

Q&A: What’s in store for Australian manufacturers for the rest of 2025?

By Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy at Infor Outlook for the Australian manufacturing sector for the rest of 2025 It has been a tumultuous first quarter for the manufacturing sector, as trade policies and tariffs have driven up raw material and component costs, creating a ripple effect across the global supply chain. More specifically, the recent imposition of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the US has hit Australian manufacturers hard as they grapple with higher interest rates and subdued demand in 2024. However, reducing interest rates to 4.10% could bolster business confidence and drive demand as the year progresses, opening up markets and investment opportunities for Australian manufacturers struggling to recover in a post-COVID world. How are Artificial intelligence and generative AI impacting the manufacturing sector? Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape Australian manufacturing, driving innovative integration, operational efficiency, and data insights, transforming productivity and revenue. We expect that distribution leaders will adopt AI, robotics, and IoT to enhance industry-specific processes, data, and ways of working. Research by KPMG indicates that over half of Australian (58%) and global (64%) CEOs view Gen AI as a top investment priority to gain a competitive edge for their businesses. How will the changes in global policy affect supply chains, demand, and long-term investment in manufacturing? Global policies and geopolitical risks can instantly influence supply chains. We have seen this with the recent 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US, sending shockwaves through the global industry. This will impact production costs for many items, especially those with global supply chains, such as connected machinery & equipment, smartphones, laptops, servers, and other electrical and electronic products. Having considered the rising cost pressures, manufacturers are anticipated to adopt new, agile technologies and sustainable […]

AI hype cycle meets reality for construction industry

Study of 460 Australian Design and Make companies reveals AECO, D&M, and M&E sectors continue to grapple with challenges including cost control, talent shortages and environmental sustainability. A new report from Autodesk, Inc. reveals a shift in AI optimism and preparedness, as well as lingering concerns over cost control in Australian Design and Make industries – including construction and manufacturing – amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The 2025 State of Design & Make report surveyed and interviewed 5,600 global business leaders – including 460 in Australia – in industries that comprise the Design and Make category. These sectors include architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO), product design and manufacturing (D&M), and media and entertainment (M&E). In Australia, 2024 was defined by high cost of living pressures, exacerbated by high interest rates and inflation. This severely impacted design and make industries, with the 2025 Design & Make report revealing that 40 per cent of Australian respondents consider cost control and cost management to be the largest challenge facing their organisation. The report found that investments are down year over year, which could be reflective of high interest rates and therefore a higher cost of borrowing. However, despite slowing investments, optimism remains high, with 67 per cent of leaders saying their organisations will increase future investments. “Alongside cost-of-living, artificial intelligence dominated Australia’s attention in 2024,” said Andy Cunningham, Senior Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Autodesk. “However, it appears this fixation has tapered off, following the natural path of tech hype cycles. And as the report reveals, Australian organisations are feeling less confident in AI.” The report states that 68 per cent of respondents believe AI will enhance their industry, down 9 per cent from last year – this shift is in line with global findings, which show a 12 […]

From gap year to great career: Manufacturing sector offers opportunities for school leavers

As school leavers weigh their next move, champions of Hunter industry are encouraging gap year students to consider a future in manufacturing – an industry at the heart of Australia’s energy transition, defence capability and economic growth. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says the Hunter is manufacturing heartland and the industry continues to go from strength to strength making it a fantastic career option. “As the Australian Government rolls out its A Future Made in Australia strategy, manufacturing is experiencing a major resurgence. From renewable energy to advanced defence tech, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. “Harnessing solar, wind and hydro power requires infrastructure – and that starts with parts manufactured right here in the Hunter,” Daley said. “Just last month we saw our HMA start-up of the year, Allegro Energy, be granted a US patent for its micro-emulsion electrolyte technology and this is just one of many inspiring local businesses succeeding on a global stage.” “What is clear is that innovation is just as likely to come from a component maker in Cardiff as it is from a capital city think tank.” With more than 250 apprentices and trainees currently placed across 50 organisations and three States – and 75% of those roles in manufacturing – one Hunter-based training group is offering young people a chance to kickstart their careers through hands-on training and real-world skills. Hunter Manufacturing Awards board member and Chief Operating Officer of Hunter Career Connections Nick Couper says students taking a gap year should explore the opportunities on offer in the local manufacturing sector. “For many school leavers, early acceptance into university has meant a real narrowing of focus to the different learning and career pathways that are available. We want to encourage young people to explore the other opportunities available […]

New pilot program to strengthen regional manufacturing

The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry with the launch of an $800,000 pilot program aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness. The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program will provide small-to-medium-sized manufacturers across regional NSW with funding to undertake audits by professional consultants that will identify ways to re-organise their manufacturing operations. Lean manufacturing is an internationally recognised business management process that revolves around the principles of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and a customer-centric approach. It focuses on creating products more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps, saving time and using fewer materials in the production process. This approach helps businesses produce goods with fewer resources, without compromising on quality. More efficient processes mean production lines manufacture fewer products with defects, which in turn reduces operating costs related to providing returns and waste disposal. For example, a regional food manufacturer might reorganise production lines to improve efficiency, implement preventative maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and implement just-in-time inventory management to reduce excess stock and waste. The audits, undertaken as part of the program, will offer tailored recommendations to help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce waste and increase productivity, while also highlighting training opportunities for staff. Several major companies have successfully implemented lean manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity over the past decades including Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, General Electric and Nike. Many regional NSW companies such as the Bega Group in Bega, Donaldson Australia on the Central Coast, Belmore Engineering at Tamworth, Flavourtech in Griffith and Tyree Transformers at Braemar have also successfully used lean manufacturing principles. Manufacturing is a key driver of the NSW economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output. In regional NSW, the sector generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 […]

Student architecture exhibition challenges the boundaries of our skyline and imagination

Student architects from Western Sydney University have hosted their second consecutive end of year exhibition highlighting innovative and creative works by talented students within the University’s Architecture program. The exhibition, titled ‘Beyond the Horizon’, challenged the current architectural landscape and skyline of Sydney by offering new insights and re-imagining urban landscapes for the future of Western Sydney. Supported by Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, and organised by student led organisation, Beyond Architecture WSU, the exhibition was attended by industry experts, academia, and representatives from Blacktown and Cumberland City Councils. President of the Beyond Architecture team, Mary Anne Yosef said the exhibition featured a range of projects designed by architectural students throughout the year. “Beyond the Horizon is a wonderful opportunity to witness the creativity and passion of the next generation of architects,” said Mary Anne. “The conceptual designs and models reflect our students’ exploration of new and creative approaches to design. I am both proud of and deeply grateful to our amazing Beyond Architecture team and our tutors for coming together to bring this remarkable exhibition to life.” Maters of Architecture student and Vice President of Beyond Architecture, Amanda Eessa’s project, titled ‘Cultural Landscapes: Migration’s Influence on the Architectural Identity of Western Sydney’ investigates the dynamic relationship between migration and architecture in Western Sydney. Aiming to inform on how migration influences design practices and architecture, Amanda’s work has identified a gap in contemporary research regarding the unique architectural identity of Western Sydney, specifically, the influence of diverse migration patterns on creating cultural hubs. “By utilising a mixed-method approach, the research offers an analysis on Western Sydney’s cultural community hubs and micro-neighbourhood infrastructure, and significant cultural practices that can inform how future architects design for diverse households,” said Amanda. Bachelor of Architecture student, Raymond Haroon’s project, titled ‘Parramatta Arcade’, is a re-imagined […]