Mining multinational Anglo American recently agreed to sell its nickel business to a subsidiary of MMG Resources, which has its main offices in Beijing and Melbourne, for up to $500 million. The move left many industry insiders speculating how it might relate to current nickel prices and how it might affect them. On February 18, […]
Category: Commodities
Are Trump’s Tariffs Causing a Global Metal Market Earthquake?
The so-called “Trump Tariffs” have shaken things up for metal traders worldwide. At least three countries in the Asia Pacific region will see significant impacts from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff imposition on steel and aluminum. In addition to increasing the rate to 25% from the previous 10%, President Trump also removed exemptions and […]
China Puts the Brakes on Copper Smelters. Will It Ease the Industry’s Supply Strain?
Throughout 2024, China worked to control its rapidly growing copper smelters, which were lowering profit margins amid a bustling copper market. In response, China has released new, more stringent regulations for the construction of new copper smelters. The move aims to keep excess capacity in check. However, it’s a slowdown rather than a complete halt […]
Swiss Steel Bows Out? Major Delisting Signals & Drastic Restructuring Shifts
Swiss Steel Group recently announced plans to voluntarily delist from the local stock exchange. The sustainable steel industry leader partly cited restructuring and reorganization changes as reasons for the move, stating that both had resulted in large and long-term investors becoming its principal shareholders. According to January 24 statement, the resulting low float of its […]
Renewables MMI: What’s Next for Renewables With Recent Policy Changes?
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed its highest rise in over five months, with the renewable resources index increasing by 6.58% month-over-month. This was mostly due to GOES (grain-oriented electrical steel) and neodymium shooting up in price in reaction to recent policy changes. U.S. Policy Shifts Reshape Renewable Energy Market and Metal Prices The […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: How Long Will the Gold Bull Train Last?
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a significant rise month-over-month, shooting up 7.36%. The past month proved a whirlwind for the precious metal prices, with each metal reacting to shifting economic conditions and recent policy changes. Palladium: Market Uncertainty Takes Center Stage Palladium experienced a particularly volatile month. Prices initially climbed in […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stable, Premiums Bullish Amid Tariff Threats
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) continued to move sideways, with a modest 1.11% rise from January to February. In the face ongoing tariff threats, LME aluminum prices remained consolidated while the Midwest Premium surged. Tariffs Add Chaos to the Aluminum Market Since President Trump’s term started, the aluminum market has been squarely in the […]
Trump’s Tariffs: EU Warns of ‘Firm and Proportionate’ Counterstrike
European bodies recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to introduce tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the country. Meanwhile, experts at home and abroad continue to evaluate how the trade dispute will affect steel prices and aluminum prices. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, recently vowed that it would respond […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Market Remains Slow Despite Tariffs
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, but continued to slide. Overall, the index fell by 0.72% from January to February as nickel prices remained consolidated. Bearish Conditions Continue to Haunt 304 Stainless The chaos of tariffs was seemingly lost on large portions of the stainless steel market. For many, the return of a […]
Construction MMI: Tariff Talk: What Should the Construction Industry Expect?
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held its sideways trend, budging down a slight 1.35%. Meanwhile, the U.S. construction industry faces a complex landscape shaped by recent policy changes, Trump tariffs and other economic factors. Tariffs and Their Effect on Construction Materials Steel remains a fundamental component of modern construction, playing a crucial role in […]