And they would have to decide not just which crops to plant but whether to use them for food, carbon capture or things like bio-industrial raw materials.

ECONOMIST: A prospect of plenty

Although the prices of some goods (such as energy and industrial raw materials) could pick up in 2003, the effect will probably be balanced by continuing falls in the prices of most services.

ECONOMIST: In profits we trust

China runs a deficit with most of its trading partners, which supply oil, other raw materials and industrial components, and makes up for it by running large surpluses with its U.S. and European export markets.

NPR: China Reports Stronger April Trade Growth

As China's demand for raw materials continues its economic and industrial operation will expand throughout the continent.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Middlesbrough has the right raw materials: the river and empty industrial land beside it.

ECONOMIST: Middlesbrough

The figures are based on a survey of purchasing executives who buy the raw materials for manufacturing at more than 350 industrial companies.

BBC: US manufacturing remains weak