India has almost replaced China as the most important coking coal export destination for the near future. This comes after a significant increase in steel demand in the subcontinent. The expected resurgence in China’s economy, mainly due to the government’s efforts to kick-start sectors like construction, has not materialized. In response, sector experts are beginning to […]
Sohrab Darabshaw
Copper Price Roller Coaster a Wild Ride in 2023: From Highs to Lows and Back Again
It’s safe to say that the copper price index witnessed an interesting 2023 thus far. Indeed, the market’s been volatile, so there were more than the usual ups and downs. Mid-year, prices registered a major tumble because of the fumble in China’s economy. However, soon after, they began clawing back to a respectable level. Prices […]
India’s Aluminum Appetite Surges: How Will This New Global Player Affect Aluminum Prices?
In an otherwise down market staring at a slow recovery in 2023, only India stands apart from the rest of the world in terms of aluminum production and consumption. Indeed, the government’s push for new infrastructure, especially for green energy, continues to drive domestic consumption and overall stability for aluminum prices. The country is already the […]
Desperate Move? Russia Importing Aluminum Oxide from India Amidst Shortage
A somewhat desperate Russia has made some interesting moves relating to its need for aluminum oxide, also known as alumina. Recent reports indicate that the country began importing alumina from India several months ago. This is in addition to China, which already supplied aluminum oxide to Russia’s Siberian plants. Obviously, Russia found itself on a […]
Iron Ore Price Index Soars 4% on China’s Economic Rebound, Easing Inflation in Sight?
According to this report, the most-traded January iron ore on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) DCIOcv1 ended daytime trading 2.41% higher at 851.5 yuan (US$116.80) a metric ton. The next day, the iron ore price index surged by 4%, surpassing US $117 per ton. Trader optimism largely fueled the price jump, as many felt encouraged […]
Tata’s Port Talbot Steel Manufacturing Plant Faces Uncertain Future, UK Pledges £500 Million Lifeline
The British government and Tata Steel remain in discussion regarding the future of the Port Talbot steel manufacturing plant. Recently, the government said they may pledge a substantial £500 million (approx. U.S. $629 million) in financial support for the South Wales facility. This may be in addition to Tata Steel India’s planned investment of £700 million […]
China’s Relentless Pursuit of Lithium Battery Materials: A Growing Powerhouse
It seems that China’s hunger for lithium remains unsatiated. Indeed, a new S&P Global report highlighted the “red dragon’s” efforts to gobble up critical minerals, including lithium battery elements, from mines across the globe. The report explained how China’s reach continues to grow in terms of minerals, particularly those critical to products that have major […]
Shake Up for Aluminum Prices? China’s Surge into Indonesia Sparks Market Shifts
It’s called the “nickel model,” and China hopes to duplicate it for its aluminum industry. Indeed, after more than 20 years of fast growth, China’s aluminum sector recently reached its domestic capacity limit. The government imposed this ceiling on new smelter construction to cut down on pollution and energy consumption. Now, the policy spur significant […]
U.S. Slaps 122.5% Tariff on Chinese Tin Plate Steel, Sparks Accusations of Unfair Play
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently decided to enforce preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of tin mill and tin plate steel from China at a duty rate of 122.5%. As this is the highest preliminary rate, the move provoked severe criticism from trade analysts and experts across China. This tariff also applies to China’s leading […]
U.S. and Mongolia Forge Pact to Extract Rare Earths
At a meeting several days ago, officials from the U.S. and Mongolia discussed devising innovative approaches to ensure the smooth entry of essential minerals from the landlocked Mongolian nation into the global market, namely for materials for rare earth magnets. Following his meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene […]