Much like neighboring China has been doing for decades, India is now making inroads into the African continent to mine copper reserves, among other mineral assets. It is a move that is sure to shake up the already-competitive international copper market, where multiple nations continue to show significantly increased interest in Africa. Staring in the face […]
Category: Commodities
Chinese Agency Admits Rare Earth Rule May End, Will the U.S. Seize the Throne?
A rare earth metals report by none other than a state-backed research institute is not only likely to unsettle the Chinese authorities, it has also come as a bolt out of the blue for the rest of the world. A report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences released a few days ago said China’s dominance […]
Aluminum Trade War Heats Up: How Will China and India React to U.S. Tariffs?
The world now waits to see how two aluminum market leaders, China and India, will react to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on metal imports. Between them, these two nations produce about 50 million metric tons (MT) of aluminum yearly. However, China significantly outpaces India, alone producing about 43 MT per year. […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Steals the Show Again With New Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, rising a slight 2.69%. Many precious metals prices saw dynamic shifts from February to March. Gold raced toward historic highs amid elevated tariff uncertainty and bets on the U.S. Federal Reserve policy easing. Meanwhile, silver also climbed to multi-month highs on safe-haven demand and […]
Aluminum MMI: How Have Aluminum Tariffs Impacted the Market?
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways with an upward bias. Overall, the index rose 1.16% from February to March, supported by modest increases in global aluminum prices. Midwest Premium Futures Stall after Aluminum Tariffs The aluminum market has started to settle following a sharp uptrend in U.S. premiums that began late last year. […]
Stainless MMI: Outokumpu Cuts Discounts, Nickel Prices Rise
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, supported by modest increases among most of its components. The index rose by a modest 0.56% from February to March. Meanwhile, nickel prices continued their uptrend. Outokumpu Reduces Stainless Steel Discounts Outokumpu closed out February announcing reductions to a number of stainless steel discounts. Beginning March 1, […]
Raw Steels MMI: When Will Steel Prices Peak?
Rising steel prices saw the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) jump by 5.59% from February to March. Steel Prices Surge on Tariff News As of mid-March, steel prices remained decidedly bullish and in search of a new peak as U.S. tariffs set the market on fire. Hot rolled coil prices hit their highest level […]
China Slams the Brakes on Steel: What This Means for Global Markets
It was an intervention that was the subject of rumors, and now it’s coming true. China, the world’s largest steelmaker and consumer, recently announced it would be “restructuring” its steel industry through cuts in crude steel output, a move many analysts and experts call China “protecting its own turf.” Stay up to date on changes […]
Renewables MMI: Tariffs & Renewable Energy Rollbacks—Trump’s Plan for U.S. Energy
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 […]
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 […]