The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month over month, increasing a slight 1.86%. Meanwhile, renewable energy projects could face some challenges from a combination of tariffs and changing Federal policies. Trump Administration’s Energy Policies Reshape the Renewable Sector Since taking power in January, the Trump administration has reshaped the U.S. renewable energy landscape […]
Category: Commodities
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Up on 25% Tariff Threat
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held sideways, although the upside bias continued to accelerate. Supported by a rise among most of its components, the index increased 2.8% from January to February. 25% Tariff Threat Boosts Comex Copper Price Comex copper prices remained decidedly bullish, jumping even higher on the suggestion that a 25% copper […]
From Ukraine to Italy: Metinvest’s New Steel Mill, New Era for Steel Industry?
In what will likely be a boon to the Italian steel industry, Ukrainian metals and mining group Metinvest and an Italian equipment provider operating under the name Metinvest Adria recently signed an agreement to construct a new steel plant at the port city Piombino, in western Italy. Metinvest stated that the two parties signed the […]
Copper Titans Unite: Anglo American and Codelco Forge a Game-Changing Alliance
Mining multinational Anglo American recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Codelco to create a new operating company. The reported goal of the copper market shakeup is to increase production from the two companies’ adjacent mines, both of which lie in northeastern Chile. In a February 20 statement, London-headquartered Anglo quoted chief executive Duncan Wanblad […]
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 […]
Rare Earths MMI: Oval Office Blowout: Will the Ukrainian Rare Earths Deal Still Happen?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a spike in price action month-over-month, rising by 7.4%. The recent tariffs on China, the top global supplier of rare earths, caused a short-term upward trend for many of the elements in the index. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s mineral reserves have attracted considerable international attention, particularly from President Trump. […]
Worried About Trump Tariffs? Here’s Our Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
In February 2025, President Trump reinstated and expanded the Section 232 tariffs on all steel (including stainless steel products) and aluminum imports, setting a flat 25% duty effective March 12, 2025 (what’s known as the “Trump Tariffs”). This renewed policy removes all previously negotiated country-specific exemptions and broadens the tariff’s scope to include a diverse […]
Iron Ore Prices Whipsaw as Global Steel Markets Brace for Impact
Iron ore prices have seen some degree of volatility in the last fortnight or so. Experts attribute the moves to a combination of factors, the most critical being the imposition of tariffs on certain Chinese steel products, including those distributed through neighboring Vietnam. Another significant factor is changes in demand from major steel-making countries. Whatever […]
War, Politics and Minerals: How Ukraine’s Rare Earths Became a Global Battleground
Today’s global rare earths supply chain is lopsided, with only a few nations, helmed by China, firmly in control of production and processing. Now, rapidly unfolding developments involving the United States, Ukraine and Russia could introduce a new dimension to this otherwise highly imbalanced supply chain. Subscribe to MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter and conquer metal market […]
AWMI Chicago 2025 Market Outlook Host Nucor Market Intelligence Manager
The Chicago chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) hosted its January event featuring a market outlook presentation from Ping Liang, the Market Intelligence Manager at Nucor. Liang discussed Nucor’s 2025 steel market outlook, highlighting both the strength of the U.S. economy in years past and a forecast of what is to […]
