In a landmark move that could reshape global commodity markets and impact iron ore prices BHP Billiton has agreed to settle 30% of its iron ore spot trades with Chinese buyers in Chinese Yuan (RMB). This represents a significant departure from the longstanding U.S. dollar standard. Set to begin in Q4 2025, the shift marks a […]
Category: Manufacturing
Global Copper Deficit Balloons as Grasberg Collapse Joins Year of Disruptions
The global copper market has had quite the year. On September 8, approximately 800,000 tons of wet material flooded multiple levels of the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Papua, Indonesia, leading to the suspension of all underground operations. It was just one more event to add to the list of copper mining and supply disruptions […]
Iron Ore Prices Rebound Amid Surge in China’s Steel Export Outlook
Iron ore prices rose this week, despite the overall weakness in the steel industry. Analysts are puzzled by this contradiction, particularly as China’s steel production and local consumption are still not recovering at the rate they should be. According to sector experts, the recent surge hints at a gap between actual raw material demand and […]
Copper Titans Unite: Anglo and Codelco Crack World’s Top 5
The copper market recently experienced a significant development that could have big implications for global supply. Metals and mining multinational Anglo American has finalized an agreement with National Copper Corporation of Chile (Codelco) to merge operations at their respective Los Bronces and Andina copper mines, putting them among the top 5 largest sites in the […]
Steelmakers in Europe See Jump in Hot Rolled Coil Prices as People Return from Summer Holidays
Steelmakers in Europe are seeing a large jump in hot rolled coil prices as people start to return to work from their summer holidays, which could have significant implications for the steel industry. “Stocks are low,” one source said about inventories for the flat rolled product held by both stockists and end-users. Mills are currently […]
Iron Ore Futures Slide as China’s Economic Slowdown Deepens
Global iron ore markets are under renewed pressure as futures prices continue to fall, driven by mounting concerns over China’s faltering economy and weakening demand from its steel and property sectors. Meanwhile, current iron ore prices continue to fluctuate. According to reports, iron ore futures fell to their lowest levels in a week on Monday, […]
Automotive MMI: U.S. Automakers Grapple with Metal Supply Complications
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, dropping a slight 2.3%. This comes as the US automotive market, manufacturers in particular, are facing a one-two punch of rising costs and potential shortages in their metal supply chains. A big reason for this is steep tariffs on steel, aluminum and other inputs, which are driving […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Search for New Low
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways with a downside bias, falling 0.96% from August to September. U.S. Steel Prices Continue to Unravel U.S. steel prices remain in search of a new bottom. As of early September, hot rolled coil prices sit at their lowest level since February 21, having unraveled much of […]
Will Demand Drive a $126 Billion Bauxite Market by 2033?
Despite a few hiccups and occasional worries of oversupply, the global bauxite market has been growing steadily. Much of this expansion has been fueled by rising demand in the aluminum market, especially from automotive, aerospace and renewable energy sectors. About 60% of EV manufacturers and over 70% of aerospace materials use aluminum in one form […]
Will EU Steel Hikes Spill Over into U.S. Prices?
According to MetalMiner’s sources, ArcelorMittal sought another increase in its hot rolled coil coffers on August 5. This is in addition to the increase the steel industry leader sought in the previous week. Reports indicate that the Luxembourg-headquartered company is now seeking up to €610 ($705) per metric ton EXW for Q4 delivery, up almost […]