For decades, gold has remained the best-performing asset class, providing double-digit returns for investors. True to form, gold demand this quarter remains above the long-term average as precious metal prices continue to move in response to global events. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), gold buying by central banks also continues at a scorching […]
Category: Imports
India’s Steel Industry Braces Itself: Coking Coal Crisis Sparks Controversial Price Hikes
India has almost replaced China as the most important coking coal export destination for the near future. This comes after a significant increase in steel demand in the subcontinent. The expected resurgence in China’s economy, mainly due to the government’s efforts to kick-start sectors like construction, has not materialized. In response, sector experts are beginning to […]
Desperate Move? Russia Importing Aluminum Oxide from India Amidst Shortage
A somewhat desperate Russia has made some interesting moves relating to its need for aluminum oxide, also known as alumina. Recent reports indicate that the country began importing alumina from India several months ago. This is in addition to China, which already supplied aluminum oxide to Russia’s Siberian plants. Obviously, Russia found itself on a […]
Construction MMI: Falling Chinese Imports Weigh on Construction, Steel Prices
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metal Index) rose for the first time in five months, welcoming a 3.97% increase. However, this rise could prove deceiving as the index still faces numerous bearish sentiments. Bar fuel surcharges rising helped the index rise month-over-month, along with did aluminum bar prices. Steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, on the […]
Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes
Buyers who depend on imports for semi-finished materials or finished components will undoubtedly cheer the recent fall in freight rates. Indeed, global logistics costs peaked in late 2022. Now, buyers will soon see relief from the historic highs of the COVID-induced ocean freight-feeding frenzy. Indeed, few will shed a tear to learn that many shipping […]
China’s Imports of Refined Copper Hit Four-Year Low
In the first half of 2023, China’s intake of refined copper saw the biggest drop in four years. The news underscores the current deceleration of the nation’s manufacturing sphere. China is one of the world’s largest buyers of refined copper. Still, it seems the country’s appetite for imports is waning. According to a report by […]
Collusion or Cooperation? Container Shipping Lines’ Secret Strategy to Sustain Rates Amid Capacity Surge
In recent years, market analysts, considerably widened the parameters they track to assess growth in countries, regions, and globally as far as container shipping goes. In this case, “analysts” includes more than just economists as there is currently a wider community conducting such evaluations. Unlike the past, these individuals now track all kinds of […]
Aluminum MMI: Russian Metal Hits 80% of LME, Aluminum Prices Rise in July
Aluminum prices continued to slide throughout June but appeared to find a bottom in early July. Prices started to form relief patterns in the short term, rising following bearish price action over recent months. Meanwhile, cooling inflation data saw market sentiment improve. The U.S. dollar index, which has an inverse correlation to metal prices, dropped […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Race Continues Between U.S. and China
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw little change month-on-month. Overall, the index continued its sideways trend, dropping a slight 2.5%. Rare earth carbonate saw the largest price shift between June 1 and July 1, dipping 10.59%. Still, as a whole, the index continues to trend in stark difference to the sharp price drops […]
Is India the U.S.’s New China?
In a recent interview, Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at the Financial Times, explored the growing relationship between the U.S. and India. The article primarily targets a British audience, but still playfully mock the Brits’ obsession with the “special relationship” between the UK and US. Most people acknowledge that this relationship originated during the […]
