1. Chinese automakers have begun to target overseas sales as increasing competition at home crimps profit.
2. Coal mines in China are grappling with weaker prices as slackening industrial activity in the country crimps demand for the fuel.
3. Oil prices have fallen 45 percent from a record in July as the prospect of a global recession crimps demand for fuel.
4. Carmakers and steelmakers are also being encouraged to combine as economic growth crimps profits on the mainland.