Could China’s economy resume its normal growth trajectory in 2023 after recording one of its lowest growth rates ever in 2022? Recently, the country introduced some more financial stimuli and eased its rather draconian COVID-19 countermeasures. This has left the world waiting for the resurgence of Chinese manufacturing and the economy at large. But will […]
Sohrab Darabshaw
China and Australia to Renew Trading of Iron Ore, Coking Coal, Other Goods
It’s been 50 years since Australia first established diplomatic relations with China. But compared to the relative warmth of the early years, modern relations between the two nations are in a deep freeze. Of course, Australia calling for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak didn’t help matters. In fact, it led […]
Low-Carbon Aluminum Market Could See 10% Production Boost in 2023
Experts project both demand and supply of low-carbon aluminum will grow substantially in 2023. Indeed, some reports, like this analysis by Reuters, forecast a more than 10% boost in the production of low-carbon metal. The question is, what does this mean for the aluminum market as a whole? Moreover, will the low-carbon switch be as […]
China Reacts Strongly to WTO’s Ruling of Trump Administration Metal Duties
In the latest US steel news, a WTO ruling has sparked a new war of words between the United States and China. Last weekend, the WTO finally ruled on the 25% taxes on global steel imports and 10% import tariffs on aluminum imposed under former US President Donald Trump. The WTO dispute settlement panel ruled […]
Iron Ore Futures to Rise as China Eases zero-COVID
China’s steady easing of COVID-19 restrictions finally allowed the beleaguered economy to begin reopening. Many experts expect a renewed demand for steel, which means an increased appetite for steel-making raw materials such as iron ore. Both analysts and traders believe the lifting the restrictions was a step in the right direction. This current positivity is […]
Despite Mine Expansion, Copper Price Outlook Still Bearish
Let’s begin with the good news first. Global copper mine capacity rose nearly 5% to 20.38 million tons (MT) between January and September of 2022. According to a report by the International Copper Study Group (ICSG), this was mainly due to the additional production at new or expanded mines. That said, global demand for the […]
India Revokes Export Duties on Steel and Iron Ore
The Indian Government recently decided to scrap export duties on steel products and iron ore. The domestic industry has thus far hailed the move, but some worry it may not boost exports in the short term. The export tax on iron ore lumps, fines, and pellets is now gone. Last Saturday, India officially scrapped an […]
Metal Markets Respond Positively as China Relaxes Zero-COVID Measures
It may be winter, but it feels like springtime for many in the metal industry and on metal prices in general. After years, China plans to ease up just a wee bit on its COVID-19 restrictions. This includes a reduction in the mandatory quarantine period, which has caused myriad problems for the country’s economy. As […]
Canada Prohibits Chinese Investments in Lithium, Nickel, and Cobalt Sectors
Canada has a new foreign investment rule that is sure to send ripples through the mineral and metal mining sector. Indeed, the country recently requested that China immediately sell its holdings in three Canadian mining companies. According to media reports, national security is the primary reason for the new order. Indeed, the decision followed a […]
Pressure Increases on the LME to Ban Russian Metal
According to the latest metal news, the London Metal Exchange (LME) is in a quandary over how to handle metal supply from “sanctioned” Russia. Their frustrations continue to be enhanced by the fact that some nations, led by China, remain interested in buying up Russian stock. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, formal and voluntary sanctions […]