This morning in metals news: Nucor Corporation announced the launch of a line of net-zero carbon steel products; meanwhile, the American Iron and Steel Institute released September import permit application data; and, finally, average U.S. home mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%. Are you under pressure to generate steel cost savings? Make sure you […]
Year: 2021
Automotive MMI: Semiconductor shortage, low inventory weigh on Q3 auto sales
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held flat for this month’s reading, as U.S. auto sales slumped in Q3. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be paying for metal with MetalMiner should-cost models. US auto sales slip in Q3 General Motors reported its third-quarter sales fell from 665,192 […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization falls to 84.8%
This morning in metals news: U.S. steel capacity utilization dipped to 84.8% last week; meanwhile, General Motors signed a memorandum of understanding with GE Renewable Energy to develop a rare earths supply chain; and, lastly, the United States Trade Representative commented on potential targeted exclusions for the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods implemented during […]
Construction MMI: Construction spending flat in August
The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell for this month’s value, as U.S. construction spending came in virtually unchanged from the previous month. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be paying for metal with MetalMiner should-cost models. US construction spending U.S. construction spending in August reached a […]
Report: Southeast Asia needs $2T in sustainable infrastructure investments
Investing $2 trillion over the next decade in sustainable infrastructure can greatly reduce Southeast Asia’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report from Bain & Company, Microsoft and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings. We’re offering timely emails with exclusive analyst commentary and some best practice advice. Sign up here. Southeast Asia infrastructure needs The report, titled […]
This Morning in Metals: Cleveland-Cliffs, Rockport Works employees ratify three-year labor deal
This morning in metals news: Cleveland-Cliffs and workers at its Rockport Works have agreed on a new three-year labor deal; the U.S. goods and services deficit increased in August; and, lastly, Rio Tinto reached a new collective labor agreement with workers at its BC Works. We’re offering timely emails with exclusive analyst commentary and some […]
India follows China into a coal crisis
You do not have to look too hard to find failures of state-run economies around the world. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there is less enchantment with the model — outside China, anyway — than there once was. But what we remain plagued with is the idea government has a role in the […]
China raises rare earth production quotas to record levels as prices surge
China has previously been cast in a sinister role with respect to restricting the production and export of critical rare earth metals, usually salts, used to produce a host of products. Those products include magnets for consumers electronics and electric cars, defense equipment and advanced ceramics. But while the country deliberately created a near monopoly […]
This Morning in Metals: Manufactured goods orders rise in August
This morning in metals news: new orders for manufactured goods ticked up by 1.2% in August; meanwhile, Nucor affiliates announced two acquisitions; and, lastly, the WTI crude oil price inched upward last week. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be paying for metal with MetalMiner should-cost models. […]
Energy crisis in China hits more than just metals output
Much is being made of Beijing’s efforts to meet its environmental emissions targets — the country states it will hit peak emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 — and its restricted steel and aluminium production. But a recent Reuters post by John Kemp suggests output is being impacted more by a widening electricity […]