In a landmark move that could reshape global commodity markets and impact iron ore prices BHP Billiton has agreed to settle 30% of its iron ore spot trades with Chinese buyers in Chinese Yuan (RMB). This represents a significant departure from the longstanding U.S. dollar standard. Set to begin in Q4 2025, the shift marks a […]
Category: Commodities
Europe’s HRC Market Braces for Shock as EU Eyes Deep Quota Cuts and 50% Tariffs
Hot rolled coil prices in Europe have remained largely unchanged in the past two weeks. However, a proposal by the European Union to slash import quotas has raised concerns among market participants. Hot Rolled Coil Deliveries Surging into the EU Mills in northern Europe continue to seek €580-600 ($700) per metric ton EXW for the […]
America’s Rare Earths Pivot: Why Australia is Now Central to Beating China’s Mineral Grip
While geopolitical tensions continue and rare earths supply chain vulnerabilities deepen, the United States is quietly redrawing the global map of critical mineral sourcing, and Australia seems to be emerging as a cornerstone. The latest development on this front is the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) issuing a letter of interest to fund up to US […]
Automotive MMI: Critical Mineral Restrictions Shake US Auto Supply Chains
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, rising a slight 1.39%. As a whole, the US automotive market is facing a number of challenges necessitating both innovation and resilience. Why Are Critical EV Minerals in Short Supply? Automakers are grappling with shortages of critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and high-tech components. Rare earth minerals […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Mill Hold Prices Ahead of Contracting
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) showed little volatility during the month as all of its elements, including nickel prices, moved sideways. This translated to an overall 0.12% increase from September to October. U.S. Stainless Steel Prices, Market Holds Flat U.S. stainless prices maintained their sideways trend as mills continued the base price increases instituted […]
Will a 15% U.S. Tariff on EU Autos Reshape Global Car Trade?
In a move with major implications for the global automotive industry, the U.S. federal government has implemented a 15% import tariff on auto imports from the European Union. According to a federal register notice from September 24, the move affects cars as well as auto parts. That notice went on to indicate that the duties […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Drift Upward Despite Stock Surplus
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) broke above range, with a 3.7% rise from September to October. This comes as copper prices, along with many other metals, continue to show an upside bias. Copper Joins Other Base Metals in Upward Trend Comex copper prices hit a two-month high, barreling past the 11k per metric ton […]
Aluminum MMI: Mill Fire Adds Fuel to U.S. Aluminum Prices
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, rising by a modest 0.5% from September to October. Meanwhile, the price of aluminum remains in an uptrend, supported by a growing number of factors. Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Read the 5 golden rules for […]
Global Copper Deficit Balloons as Grasberg Collapse Joins Year of Disruptions
The global copper market has had quite the year. On September 8, approximately 800,000 tons of wet material flooded multiple levels of the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Papua, Indonesia, leading to the suspension of all underground operations. It was just one more event to add to the list of copper mining and supply disruptions […]
World Takes First Steps in Breaking China’s Stranglehold on Rare Earth Magnets Supply
Resource security when it comes to rare earth magnets is something the modern-day world has been desperately trying to get right. This is primarily due to rare earths’ increasing importance in electronics, defense, vehicles, and much more. For years, countries have been seeking ways to secure access to these vital resources. However, 90% of the […]