The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw a strong rally from mid-May to mid-June. Precious metals prices like gold, silver, platinum and palladium all climbed on a potent mix of safe-haven investment flows and robust industrial demand. Geopolitical tensions, notably the recent flare-up in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, have only […]
Category: Macroeconomics
Steel Showdown: EU Warns Retaliation as Trump Doubles Down on Tariffs
The European Commission (EC) has expressed concern about Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to double import tariffs on steel. The U.S. President proclaimed the new “Trump Tariffs” during a speech at US Steel’s Mon Valley-Irwin works in Pennsylvania on May 30. “We strongly regret the announced increase of U.S. tariffs on steel imports from 25% […]
Construction MMI: New 50% Aluminum and Steel Tariffs Squeeze U.S. Construction
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, dropping by 2.0% month-over-month. In early June 2025, new Trump tariffs doubled pre-existing steel and aluminum duties from 25% to 50%. As buyers scrambled, U.S. aluminum premiums immediately hit a record 60¢/lb. Meanwhile, the tariff surge is already squeezing the U.S. construction industry. Construction Input Inflation Construction […]
Tariff Ticking Time Bomb: Trump Gives UK Until July 9th to Avoid Steel Shock
Trump tariffs are back once again putting U.S trade partners in a tough spot. President Donald Trump recently exempted the United Kingdom from his doubling of import tariffs on steel and aluminum into the United States, but only temporarily. While import tariffs from UK steelmakers remain at 25% for now, failure to reach an agreement […]
Stainless MMI: Tariff Impacts on the Stainless Market
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, rising by a modest 0.35% from May to June. However, the stainless steel price remains under pressure from several factors. Tariff Hike Rattles the U.S. Stainless Steel Market In a move few saw coming, President Trump doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Volatile on Tariff Shifts
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) retraced to the downside with a 4.23% decline from March to April. Looking at copper prices today, analysts seem to be struggling with ongoing trade policy shifts. Copper Prices Zigzag Amid Uncertain Trade Policy Comex copper prices have experienced wild swings over the past few months. First, they […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stabilize as Midwest Premium Hold onto Gains
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) appeared increasingly bearish with a 3.08% decline from April to May. What do other metal and commodity market trends mean for aluminum trends? Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Aluminum Prices Stabilize Following Post-Tariff Drop Aluminum prices found an […]
Construction MMI: Construction Market Braces Itself as Recession Fears Loom
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, dropping by 2.72%. In the wake of fresh federal policy moves this spring, construction news reports indicate that the industry is navigating a sudden spike in material costs. Over the past month, new government tariffs and trade measures have caused significant price fluctuations in critical inputs […]
U.S. Aluminum vs. European Aluminum: A Comprehensive Short-Term Market Outlook
A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trump’s aluminum tariffs is how differently it’s playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some […]
Copper MMI: What’s Next for Copper Prices After Peak
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved up, accelerating gains from the previous month. The Bullish U.S. price of copper saw the index rise by 4.75% from March to April. Price of Copper Finally Finds Peak Although they have subsequently been delayed, reciprocal tariffs helped copper prices find a peak. At the start of 2025, […]
