Up to this week, the nickel bull story had been roaring along. Talk of metal shortages and runaway electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid battery demand have supported that story. But one announcement has seen that bull run hit a brick wall. Nickel bull story slows News that China’s Tsingshan Holding Group has signed a one-year […]
Year: 2021
This Morning in Metals: DOC finds dumping, subsidization of common alloy aluminum sheet
This morning in metals news: the Department of Commerce said imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from 18 countries are being dumped and benefiting from subsidies; Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard this week commented on the US’s economic outlook; and the copper price has retraced somewhat over the last week. DOC makes common alloy aluminum […]
Construction MMI: Construction spending rises as billings remain down
The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 3.2% this month, as January 2021 construction spending picked up. 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. Construction spending US construction spending in January reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,521.5 […]
Automotive MMI: US auto sales strong in February despite inclement weather
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 7.1% this month, as US auto sales were strong in February. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email updates here. US auto sales Ford Motor Co. reported its February US retail auto sales reached 163,520 vehicles, down 1.8% year over year. Ford […]
This Morning in Metals: Senate confirms new secretary of commerce
This morning in metals news: the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) offered positive comments on the heels of the confirmation of the secretary of commerce; UK unions worry about the potential loss of thousands of jobs; and the Biden administration is taking a step back in the process toward an Arizona copper mine. AISI […]
Japan’s steel sector faces numerous challenges, from COVID-19 to global overcapacity
Japan’s steel sector is facing tumultuous times. But, in the short term, there are initial signs of it pulling through in 2021. Are you on the hook for communicating the company’s steel performance to the executive team? See what should be in that report. Pandemic impacts on Japan’s steel sector The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to […]
Global supply chains under pressure amid rising costs, delays
When we first started reporting on global freight costs in Q4 last year, we expected that the pandemic bounce-back would probably be a relatively short-term effect, easing around the Chinese Lunar New Year. Around then, Chinese manufacturers closed down and the shipping industry had a chance to catch up on backlogs. Unfortunately, in the meantime, […]
This Morning in Metals: March 2021 MMO report is out
This morning in metals news: the March 2021 Monthly Metal Outlook (MMO) report is out; meanwhile, annual natural gas production declined in 2020; and, finally, pending home sales declined in January. Find more insight on MetalMiner’s LinkedIn. March 2021 MMO report Every first of the month, MetalMiner publishes its Monthly Metal Outlook forecast report, available […]
US steel capacity utilization ticks up to 77.2%
US steel mills churned out metal at a steel capacity utilization rate of 77.2% for the week ending Feb. 27, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported. See why technical analysis is a superior forecasting methodology over fundamental analysis and why it matters for your steel buy. Steel capacity utilization gains Last week’s rate […]
Following a strong recovery, how much further does oil have to go?
The Brent crude oil price has continued a dramatic recovery this year. Brent crude last week briefly crossed $66 a barrel (where it started 2020). A recovery in demand has stoked oil prices. That demand surge is largely coming from the prospects of an acceleration in transport activity as vaccine programs roll out. Find more […]