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, […]
Category: Commodities
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 […]
Rare Earths MMI: Ukraine and U.S. Strike Critical Minerals Deal
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed a significant rise in price action month-over-month, with a total increase of 7.67%. So far, the global rare earths market has been on a springtime rollercoaster. Between April 1 and May 2, 2025, prices for these critical elements saw abrupt swings, supply chains were tested by geopolitics […]
Why Are Russian Pig Iron Imports to Europe Skyrocketing?
Over three years into its invasion of Ukraine, and despite the subsequent sanctions, Russian producers continue to generate significant revenues from exports. This is especially true of metals and minerals, including pig iron and semi-finished steel products, which Russia continues to supply to the European Union. Russian Pig Iron Imports Surged in January In 2024, […]
U.S. Aluminum vs. European Aluminum: A Comprehensive Short-Term Market Outlook
A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trump’s aluminum tariffs is how differently it’s playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some […]
Aluminum Delivery Premiums Spiking After Tariffs, are Aluminum Freight Bottlenecks Coming?
In the past month, the cost of importing aluminum into the United States has risen sharply. This occurred as aluminum market delivery premiums, the added charges above the base metal price for physical shipments, came close to record highs. This surge in costs stems primarily from a combination of fresh U.S. tariffs, global shipping delays, […]
Is Copper About to Spark a Global Commodities Rally?
Copper was touted as the hottest commodity of 2025, as covered in MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter. Capped by April’s tariff-driven turbulence, the last quarter only reinforced that view. Now it seems copper prices are poised to lead other metals in the short term. Many experts believe copper has reached an inflection point. As such, they expect […]
Auto Shock: Trump’s 25% Tariff Sends Europe Reeling
The “Trump Tariffs” continue to shock global markets, affecting multiple major sectors. Recently, European auto manufacturing ombudsmen reacted with alarm to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% import tariff on auto imports into the United States. EU Auto Leaders React to Trump Tariffs Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, […]
Did the UK Take a Steel Giant Hostage to Save Its Industry?
The UK Parliament recently passed a law allowing the government to take control of British Steel, a major player in the local steel industry. The move follows Chinese owner Jingye’s plans to shut down two operating blast furnaces at its Scunthorpe site. A Bold Move Towards UK Steel Industry Preservation The House of Commons, Parliament’s […]
Is China Using Rare Earths as Its Most Powerful Trade Weapon Yet?
China is once again weaponizing rare earths elements in the tariff war with the United States. According to media reports, China recently suspended the export of certain rare earth minerals, ostensibly while re-drafting the regulations covering such exports. MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter states that if the issue is not resolved soon, both the halt in rare […]
