This morning in metals news: US real GDP grew at an annual rate of 6.4% in Q1 2021; meanwhile, U.S. Steel reported its Q1 financial results; and, lastly, Intel cited the “explosive growth” in semiconductors in its Q1 2021 financial report. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, analysis and more. […]
Year: 2021
European steel producers clamor for early adoption of carbon border tax
Brussels must feel a little like the Dutch boy with his finger in the dike when it comes to emissions. No sooner do you create a solution to one problem – costing carbon dioxide emissions – than you create another – putting your domestic industries at a global disadvantage. The Financial Times reported on calls […]
This Morning in Metals: General Motors’ Ultium Charge 360 seeks to ease charging experience
This morning in metals news: General Motors announced details of Ultium 360, which it says will simplify the charging experience for EV owners; meanwhile, Canadian miner Teck Resources released its Q1 2021 results on Wednesday; and, lastly, nearly 30% of the US population has been fully vaccinated. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly […]
US steel imports rise nearly 20% from February to March
Preliminary US steel imports reached 2.1 million metric tons in March, the Census Bureau reported earlier this month. Stop obsessing about the actual forecasted steel price. It’s more important to spot the trend. See why. US steel imports rise, paced by sheets and HDG strip US steel imports picked up in March from the 1.7 […]
Stainless Steel: Turning Stainless Market Upheaval to Your Advantage
In this 30-minute webinar, Lisa Reisman, Katie Benchina Olsen and Don Hauser of MetalMiner provide a detailed overview of the current state of the North American stainless steel market, and specifically address the divergence in strategies across the mills and how these strategies impact material availability, pricing and purchase strategies.
J.D. Power, LMC Automotive: US new-vehicle retail sales headed for record April
According to a joint forecast released by J.D. Power and LMC Automotive, US new-vehicle retail sales in April 2021 are headed for the highest number ever recorded for that month. The news will be some consolation to automakers, who have struggled with a semiconductor shortage. As a result of the shortage, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, […]
This Morning in Metals: Ford announces global battery center dubbed Ford Ion Park
This morning in metals news: Ford Motor Co. announced its new global battery center called Ford Ion Park; meanwhile, OPEC nations met via teleconference on Tuesday; and, lastly, the US goods trade deficit rose by 4% in March. The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help buyers stay on […]
China aluminum imports surge continues well into 2021
When the largest aluminum producer on earth keeps reporting high import figures, the world sits up and takes note. According to figures released by the Chinese General Administration of Customs a few days ago, China recorded a new high for aluminum imports in March 2021. Stop obsessing about the actual forecasted aluminum price. It’s more […]
Supply chain shortages: could one industry’s challenge be another’s solution?
Metal prices have been rising this year, in part because of a rapid recovery in consumer spending and manufacturing following last year’s lockdowns. China led the recovery, but the recoveries have strengthened in North America and, to a lesser extent, Europe. As vaccines have rolled out, particularly in the US, sentiment has improved. Consumers have […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization reaches 78.4%
This morning in metals news: the US steel sector’s capacity utilization rate hit 78.4% last week; meanwhile, Ford announced plans to invest $300 million to build a new light commercial vehicle in Romania; and, lastly, the United States International Trade Commission held a five-year sunset review regarding imports of prestressed concrete steel wire strand from […]