This morning in metals news: officials held a groundbreaking ceremony at the AM/NS Calvert mill earlier this month; President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order that calls for assessments of several critical supply chains; and US housing starts fell in January. AM/NS Calvert officials hail expansion project Officials celebrated the imminent expansion […]
Year: 2021
Nucor forecasts Q1 2021 net earnings to best 2008 record
While the first half of 2020 posed significant challenges for metals manufacturers and end users alike, some firms have showed signs of recovery in the ensuing months and into 2021. In the second quarter, steel demand suffered. Automotive manufacturers idled production in North America for a period of about two months last year, beginning in […]
Ford goes ‘all-in’ on electric in Europe
After General Motors announced a series of electric vehicle and emissions targets last month, it is unsurprising that similar announcement from competitors have followed. Today, Ford Motor Co. announced plans to charge ahead with its electrification plans in Europe. Earlier this month, Ford announced it would invest an additional $29 billion in electric and autonomous […]
This Morning in Metals: Novelis unveils high-strength automotive aluminum
This morning in metals news: Novelis announced the commercial availability of a new class of high-strength automotive aluminum; meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey updated its Mineral Deposit Database for niobium; and the global aluminum market surplus more than tripled from 2019 to 2020. Novelis announces new high-strength automotive aluminum Atlanta-based Novelis today announced it […]
ArcelorMittal steel output drops by one-fifth in 2020
Impacts from the COVID pandemic and asset sales saw ArcelorMittal report a 20.4% decline in its crude steel production in 2020. “The countries worst affected by COVID were the ones that saw drops in their production,” one industry watcher added about lower production at the group’s assets in Europe, Brazil and the United States. ArcelorMittal […]
Rare earths are the next geopolitical chess game
Although presented as the evil machinations of an enemy state, a recent Financial Times article lays out the rare earths dilemma China faces. Rare earths in the crosshairs Rare earths industry executives made unofficial statements indicating Chinese government officials had asked them how badly companies in the US and Europe, including defense contractors, would be […]
This Morning in Metals: February 2021 MMI report is out
This morning in metals news: the February 2021 Monthly Metals Index (MMI) report is out; meanwhile, US steel capacity utilization reached 76.9%; and, lastly, Rusal recently announced the acquisition of a German aluminum producer. February 2021 MMI report As regular readers know, we have published all 10 of our Monthly Metals Index (MMI) articles over […]
Nickel Supply Chain Could be Strengthened by EV Makers
Electric vehicle manufacturers are wooing Indonesia to create a nickel-based battery supply chain in that country. Elon Musk’s Tesla and China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology, otherwise known as CATL, and South Korea’s LG Chem are in the fray. The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help buyers stay on top […]
Nickel Continues to Keep Stainless Prices Up, even as LME stocks rise
Stainless steel producers have been caught in a pincer movement over the last year of rising nickel prices but falling demand. It is a counterintuitive situation until you factor in China’s stainless production. Chinese output rose by 4% in the third quarter of last year compared to the rest of the world, which fell by […]
This Morning in Metals: Copper price surges after January cooldown
This morning in metals news: the copper price is on its way back up again; meanwhile, Rio Tinto reached a new power agreement for its ISAL aluminum smelter; and, lastly, oil prices continue to rise. Copper price surges After a sleepy January, copper prices are back on the ascent. The LME three-month copper price closed […]