When Chinese steel group Tsingshan announced its Indonesian nickel operations would supply matte — a form of the metal used only for stainless steel production — to battery makers back in February, the news undercut the narrative that only refined nickel would be sufficiently high grade for the electric vehicle sector. The price proceeded to […]
Year: 2021
Week in Review: Aluminum prices reach 10-year high
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week’s news and some of the metals storylines here on MetalMiner: Aluminum prices reach 10-year high while a coup in Guinea threatens to disrupt global bauxite supply, China-Australia iron ore trade surges ahead despite ongoing tensions; and see MetalMiner’s analyst-driven Monthly Metals […]
This Morning in Metals: China to auction crude oil from its strategic reserves
This morning in metals news: In a bid to aid domestic refiners currently limited by steep energy costs, China announced plans to auction crude oil from its strategic reserves. In other news, Shell declares force majeure as Hurricane Ida’s fallout continues. Also in the news, July steel shipments show 37% year over year rise. Cut-to-length […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless producers announce base price hikes
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained flat for this month’s reading. Are you under pressure to generate stainless steel cost savings? Make sure you are following these five best practices. Base price and surcharge increase Both NAS and Outokumpu announced price increases effective Sept. 1. Outokumpu increased base prices by reducing the discount by […]
This Morning in Metals: Aluminum prices reach 10-year high following Guinea coup
This morning in metals news: Aluminum prices reach 10-year highs after a coup in Guinea threatens to disrupt global bauxite supply. In other news, steep commodity prices send China’s factory-gate inflation to a 13-year high. Also in the news, Hurricane Ida’s damage leaves more than 75% of U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil production offline. Each […]
Raw Steels MMI: Index drops after a 14-month climb
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 1.4%, as Chinese steel and U.S. scrap prices declined. Each month, MetalMiner hosts a webinar on a specific metals topic. This month’s discussion is Carbon Steel 2022: What types of steel contracts to set up and when to execute them. Explore the upcoming webinars and sign […]
Copper MMI: Copper prices continue to decline
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) decreased by 3.4% in August, as forms of the metal included in the index dropped (with the exception of Chinese copper scrap). We’re offering timely emails with exclusive analyst commentary and some best practice advice. Sign up here. Copper prices trend downward Similarly to the index, LME copper prices […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization hits 84.5%
This morning in metals news: U.S. steel capacity utilization dropped slightly last week; the number of drilled but uncompleted oil wells in the U.S. declined in July; and, lastly, the construction sector shed 3,000 jobs in August. Are you prepared for your annual steel contract negotiations? Be sure to check out our five best practices. […]
China-Australia iron ore trade surges ahead despite tensions
Diplomatic relations between China and Australia have been strained over the past year. However, that does not seem to have affected trade between the two nations. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – without the sales pitch. Sign up now. China-Australia trade After posting record exports in May and June 2021, Australia […]
SSAB to collaborate with automotive groups on potential supply of fossil-free steel
Sweden’s SSAB has announced collaboration plans with two European auto groups on the potential supply of fossil-free steel for auto bodies and parts. 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. SSAB to collaborate with European auto groups on potential fossil-free […]