The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, dropping by 0.70%. This comes as auto industry executives in the U.S. are confronting a whirlwind of trade and supply chain disruptions, not to mention the effects of the recent round of Trump tariffs. In the past month alone, high-stakes U.S.–China trade talks, critical mineral export […]
Category: Automotive
Is Volvo’s Restructuring a Warning Signal for Steel Demand?
In late April, Swedish automaker Volvo announced plans to cut up to 3,000 jobs, or about 15% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring plan. Since then, steel industry insiders have pointed to the event as a potential warning sign for demand. According to statements from Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson released on May […]
Automotive MMI: Volatile Steel and Copper Prices Shake U.S. Auto Industry
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways this past month, dropping a slight 1.74%. The US automotive industry faces a bumpy ride as key metal prices continue to swing wildly. In recent weeks, critical inputs like hot-dipped galvanized steel, copper and lead have seen rapid price shifts amid new tariffs and supply chain jitters, […]
How U.S. Manufacturers Shift Gears and Save Money Amid Metal Price Volatility
U.S. manufacturers in the automotive, appliance and general industrial sectors are overhauling procurement strategies as economic volatility and swings in steel, aluminum and copper prices squeeze margins. Recent U.S. tariff actions have jolted metals markets, sending input costs soaring for downstream manufacturers. According to Reuters, the uncertainty not only triggered panic buying but extended lead times […]
Automotive MMI: New 25% Automotive Tariffs in Effect, How is the Market Responding?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose by 4.33% month-over-month. With the 25% Trump tariffs now in effect, the market could be in for a bumpy ride. New Wave of Trump Tariffs Hit The Trump Administration implemented two sweeping trade actions, collectively known as the “Trump Tariffs,” that are reverberating across U.S. industries. First came […]
Automotive MMI: Hot-Dipped Galvanized Prices Spike Amongst New Tariffs
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) increased by 4.47% month over month. The primary culprit for the bullish sentiment was hot-dipped galvanized prices rising due to tariff anticipation from the automotive industry. U.S. Automotive Industry Faces Rising Costs and Trade Challenges The U.S. automotive sector is grappling with economic pressures that could alter its operational […]
Automotive MMI: Market Witnesses Volatility with Tariff Concerns
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held sideways for the third month in a row, moving up a mere 0.62%. In January, the U.S. automotive industry faced significant developments affecting metals prices and manufacturing processes. Key factors included proposed tariffs, strategic investments in steel production and notable market reactions among automotive stocks. Tariff Panic and […]
Automotive MMI: Trump’s Tariff Concerns & More Semiconductor Woes
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held sideways from December to January, dropping a mere 0.48%. The index has yet to show a lot of momentum in 2025, with no clear trend up or down. However, the U.S. automotive industry has raised concerns about Trump’s proposed tariffs on automotive imports from Canada, Mexico and China. […]
Automotive MMI: Automotive Industry Could Face Headwinds from Germany and Incoming Tariffs
The November Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) found slightly more upward momentum than the prior month. While the index remained sideways, price action rose by 2.33%. That said, the US automotive market could witness headwinds from a combination of factors. First, Donald Trump`s win in the US election could mean incoming tariffs that will impact […]
Europe’s Steel Price Surge: Will Buyers Bite?
Steelmakers in Western Europe are trying to push through increases for their hot rolled coil, though sources noted that it was hard to determine where steel prices were at present. Reports indicate that mills are now seeking about €600 ($650) EXW per metric ton, reflecting an increase from deals that were as low as €520-530 […]
