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 […]
Category: Commodities
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 […]
British Steel to Start Consultations on Closing Blast Furnaces
Steel Industry leader British Steel is set to start consultations on permanently blowing down the operating blast furnaces at Scunthorpe. The move comes after the company failed to reach an agreement with the UK government on financial aid for conversion to green steelmaking. “Since 2020, the shareholder of British Steel, Jingye, has invested more than […]
China Just Redrew the Aluminum Map, and the World Is Watching
At a time when analysts expect the global demand for aluminum to rise, a new development in China may significantly impact both aluminum market demand and the country’s internal consumption. That said, market watchers know that any announcement around metals coming out of Beijing these days also has to be looked at through the lens […]
Historical Price Trends for Industrial Metals Over the Past Decade
Over the last ten years, industrial metal prices have gone on a wild ride, rising, falling and rising again, thanks to everything from global economic swings to supply chain hiccups and geopolitical drama. If you’re in manufacturing, investing, or policy, keeping tabs on these price trends isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Steel Historical Price Trends […]
Fire Erupts at Salzgitter Plant: Hot Rolled Coil Production Grinds to a Halt
German flats producer Salzgitter recently announced a force majeure on hot rolled strip following a fire at its Lower Saxony site. A March 4 letter to steel industry customers indicated that a fire resulted in the suspension of production at the company’s hot strip mill. According to reports circulating in German media, a restart of […]