The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) trended sideways with a slightly downward movement of 2.59%. Numerous factors remain at play within the global rare earths market. One of the most significant factors rare earths buyers need to remain aware of is the ongoing conflict within Myanmar, one of the world’s key rare earth suppliers, […]
Category: Commodities
Coking Coal’s Rollercoaster Ride: What 2024 Taught Us About Steelmaking’s Essential Ingredient
The story of coking coal in 2024, especially its price in global markets, has mainly been “one step forward and one step back.” A raw material essential for steel production, coking coal prices have been under pressure in the last half of 2024 due to sluggish growth in global steel output. Like other raw materials, […]
China’s Export Tax Rebate Shock: The Aluminum Market Faces a New Reality
A much-reported but little-understood development in the aluminum market this month has the potential to significantly alter the supply chain landscape for aluminum semi-finished metals in the year ahead. Beyond that, it could have serious repercussions for the price of aluminum around the globe. As my colleague Nichole already reported, China’s Ministry of Finance canceled […]
British Steel’s £10M Rail Facility: British Steel’s Corrosion-Protected Rails
British Steel has opened a rail stocking facility at its main works in Scunthorpe, in Lincolnshire, where the company produces rails. The £10 million ($12.6 million) facility will be able to hold up 25,000 metric tons of finished rails in 108-metre lengths, the Jingye-owned company stated on November 20. “All rails stocked will have undergone […]
Global Markets Brace for Aluminum Bull Run Amid Supply Crunch
Global bauxite and aluminum prices have surged to a five-month high this month, driven by economic growth, growing supply concerns, a dip in the value of the U.S. dollar and the “China factor.” Currently, analysts predict that prices could rise further from current levels. Aluminum prices are currently about 18% higher year-on-year. Even aluminum futures […]
How Will the Incoming Trump Administration Impact Industrial Metal Prices?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, the industrial metals market is poised for a number of shifts. His proposed policies, particularly concerning tariffs and infrastructure development, are expected to influence metal prices both positively and negatively. Knowledge is key in navigating tariffs and metal market fluctuations. Don’t miss out on […]
Trump’s Return: Will Tariffs and Green Tech Define the Future of HRC Prices?
Big changes seem to be coming for the steel industry in Europe and the U.S. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, recently put forth a masterplan for a new industrial strategy in the 27-member bloc. Mainly the work of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who now serves as special adviser to […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metals Prices Surge Pre-Election, Dip, Then Rebound
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed considerable bullish sentiment once again. Month-over-month, the index rose 6.48%. After the election, precious metals prices quickly responded to the outcome and the expected policy directions of the new Trump administration. While the index had been rising in the prior two months, prices began to decline […]
Surging Exports and Stimulus Gains: Is China’s Steel Recovery Sustainable?
Are we seeing the first offshoots of a recovery in China’s steel industry? Some media outlets report that Chinese steel output turned positive for the first time in four months. This comes in the wake of the government’s efforts to restart the domestic economy, coupled with an improvement in demand for steel. In late September, […]
Construction MMI: The Fed November Interest Rate Cut Gives Construction Industry a Boost
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) managed to break out of its sideways trend, moving up by 6.73%. Construction news indicates that the market could see more bullish sentiment if the Fed continues its dovish stance on interest rates, dropping them steadily (get weekly updates on macroeconomic news impacting your metal buy with our weekly […]