The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke out of its over 6-month-long sideways trend to pivot down 5.41%. This new movement outside of its sideways range could indicate more volatility in the short term than the index experienced in the past 12 months. The new Trump tariffs on China caused some volatility in the price […]
Category: Commodities
Aluminum MMI: How Suppliers Handle Tariffs and What Aluminum Buyers Need to Know
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, as most components appeared consolidated. Overall, the index slid 0.74%, while aluminum prices experienced continued instability. Aluminum Price Volatility After Tariffs Aluminum prices have appeared increasingly volatile since the announcement of tariffs. Prices plunged after reaching a mid-March peak, breaking below their sideways range. The implementation of […]
Fortress Europe? EU Slams the Gate on Steel Imports in Dumping Crackdown
Amid chaos from steel tariffs, the European Commission plans to tighten steel import quotas on April 1 over fears of dumping on the bloc. Those fears primarily stem from U.S. President Donald Trump’s implementation of 25% duties on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, which came into effect in early March. The […]
Copper MMI: What’s Next for Copper Prices After Peak
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved up, accelerating gains from the previous month. The Bullish U.S. price of copper saw the index rise by 4.75% from March to April. Price of Copper Finally Finds Peak Although they have subsequently been delayed, reciprocal tariffs helped copper prices find a peak. At the start of 2025, […]
Mongolia’s New Rail Link to Boost China’s Coking Coal by 30%
Construction work is tentatively due to start on a dual-gauge rail line between China and the Republic of Mongolia. Reports indicate that the rail line will increase coking coal transport by up to 30%. Current estimates say the project will begin in April, with completion scheduled for 2028. Avoid reactive purchasing metal in uncertain demand […]
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 […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Market Extends Slump as Reciprocal Tariffs Spare Steel
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, with an upside bias. Meanwhile, nickel prices dropped to lows last seen in 2020. Overall, the index rose by 2.16% from March to April. Buyers Hold Back from Stainless Market The U.S. stainless steel market remains lackluster. While March witnessed a modest increase in shipments, some suppliers […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Level Off, Lead Times Shrink
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) returned to the downside. Overall, the index witnessed a modest 0.75% decline from March to April. Steel Prices Find Peaks as Reciprocal Tariffs Spare Steel Steel prices either found a peak or began to stabilize by the start of April. As of April 4, hot rolled coil prices […]
AWMI Chicago Presents: How to Succeed in the Metals Industry
In what could only describe as a “summit of trailblazers,” the Chicago chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) hosted a panel of prominent women from across the industrial metals landscape. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global market, these prominent figures engaged in a robust dialogue about the keys […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earths Market Rattled by Myanmar Earthquake and Tariffs
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, edging up by a slight 1.82%. The global rare earth market has taken a significant hit lately, thanks to a combination of natural disasters and big geopolitical moves. A strong earthquake in Myanmar and the recent wave of U.S. tariffs have thrown this somewhat delicate industry […]