This morning in metals news: the Energy Information Administration forecasts a “significant number” of battery energy storage systems will come onto the US electricity grid; meanwhile, miner Rio Tinto announced a partnership with renewable energy technology company Heliogen; and, lastly, global copper mine production levels came in about flat compared with 2020. You want more […]
Year: 2021
US steel capacity utilization dips slightly to 77.3%
The US steel sector’s capacity utilization rate has consistently posted gains since a trough last spring at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This past week, however, the capacity utilization rate fell slightly. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – without the sales pitch. Sign up today. Capacity utilization dips to 77.3% […]
Tangshan steel curbs could have ripple effect on steel, iron ore
The recent curbs on steel making by the local government in one of China’s largest steel-producing cities, Tangshan, may have a cascading effect on steel procurement & demand, as well on iron ore supplies, some experts believe. The Tangshan restrictions are in effect from March 20 to Dec. 31, 2021. Among other things, the restrictions […]
This Morning in Metals: British Steel delivers first rails to Europe under Jingye ownership
This morning in metals news: British Steel delivered its first rails to Europe under its new ownership group; meanwhile, Alcoa said it will supply low-carbon aluminum for the wheels of Audi’s first electric sports car; and, lastly, the race is on to repair a fire-damaged automotive chip factory in Japan. British Steel delivers first rails […]
China’s aluminum industry under pressure to reduce emissions
China — and, indeed, Asia as a whole — has a serious issue evolving that few would have seen coming five years ago. Back then, the carbon content of aluminium was a well-known fact. However, its light weight and high recyclability seemed to outweigh the CO2 emissions inherent in its production. Not so now. China […]
Europe’s automakers rush to go electric
Most carmakers had a pretty torrid first half of 2020, with factories disrupted, show rooms closed and consumers bunkered down in their homes. Sales plummeted across Europe and North America. However, the second half of last year and, particularly, the first quarter of this year have seen carmakers’ prospects come roaring back. The move to […]
This Morning in Metals: Semiconductor shortage impacts Stellantis, Ford
This morning in metals news: the global semiconductor shortage continues to impact automotive operations; the oil price tracked back over the past week; and Katherine Tai, the recently confirmed United States Trade Representative, addressed staff on her first day in office. Semiconductor shortage hits Stellantis, Ford As we’ve noted previously, the global semiconductor shortage has […]
Hot rolled coil prices continue to surge in Western Europe
A lack of local availability, plus anti-dumping measures on some third-country imports into the European Union, have further pushed up hot rolled coil prices in Western Europe. Hot rolled coil price surge Offers for the flat rolled product from Western European mills are now €850-900 ($1,015-$1,070) per tonne ex works for May rolling and June […]
Week in Review: Nickel price falls; oil prices remain elevated; Honda temporarily suspends production
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and some of the metals storylines of the week here on MetalMiner, including coverage of the nickel price, oil prices, housing starts and more. Overall, steel prices continue to rise. Meanwhile, after experiencing significant price declines, lead and nickel […]
This Morning in Metals: Honda announces short-term production cuts in North America
This morning in metals news: Honda announced it will suspend most of its North American automotive production; copper has leveled off over the last couple of weeks; and service center shipments declined in February. The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help buyers stay on top of metals markets […]