US steel news sources and markets were abuzz on December 18 over Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S Steel. The $14.9 billion investment represents a significant step in Nippon’s plan to expand its U.S. assets, and pushed the Japanese company from the fourth to the third-largest global steel producer. In total, it will now account for […]
Category: Commodities
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Bullish as HRC Price Break $1,000/st
While the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 6.43% from November to December, U.S. flat rolled steel prices remain decidedly bullish. By mid-December, hot rolled coil prices broke above the $1,000 per short ton mark for the first time since June. To date, HRC prices have risen almost 53% this year, outperforming all base […]
ArcelorMittal Completes Sale of Kazakh Operations Following Coking Coal Mine Blast
ArcelorMittal recently completed the sale of its steel making and mining operations in Kazakhstan. This move came after the Central Asian state’s government demanded its renationalization due to an October blast at a coking coal mine. On December 8, the Luxembourg-headquartered group reported that the state-controlled direct investment fund Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC) acquired ArcelorMittal […]
China’s Changing Appetite: The Future of Australia’s Iron Ore Supply, Iron Ore Prices
An expected slowdown in China’s uptake and a world that is increasingly moving toward “green” iron ore and steel will be two crucial drivers affecting the future of iron production. This is especially true for Australia, one of the world’s largest miners of raw iron ore. Should demand change or iron ore prices shift dramatically, […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Index Drops & Green Energy Faces Challenges
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) took a noticeable dive month-over-month, dropping by 10.41%. Indeed, neodymium, cobalt, and steel plate all suffered drops in price, making them the main culprits for the index falling. Meanwhile, the latest renewable energy news sources suggest green initiatives could be in for a rocky ride in 2024. This is […]
Rich in Rare Earths, Vietnam Becomes a Center for Global Power Struggle
Vietnam finds itself wooed by two large world powers. However, this time, it is not over any geopolitical consideration, but for a resource that the modern world covets: rare earths. China and the U.S. are locked in a race to court a country that boasts the world’s second-largest rare earth deposits. However, much of Vietnam’s […]
Construction MMI: Construction Spending Rises but Construction Index Falls
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) strayed from its sideways trend to drop 6.84% month-over-month. A drop in European commercial aluminum 1050 sheet prices was the main culprit in the index’s decline. Construction news sources indicate with steel prices finally flattening out in recent weeks, the index could face further bearish pressure. Despite this, construction […]
2023 in Review: Carbon Steel/Raw Steel Prices
2023 steel prices witnessed heavy bullish pressure at the beginning of the year. However, as the year wore on, more and more bearish pressure began affecting the market. Factors such as Cleveland Cliffs’ price hikes, the UAW strike, and U.S. Steel going up for sale all had major impacts on the market and steel demand. […]
Rare Earths MMI: Prices Move Sideways Amid Potential Rare Earth Magnets Trade War
The global rare earth magnets game continues to heat up. Indeed, China, the top global rare earths supplier, seems eager to tighten its hold on the marketplace, especially with trade tensions rising between the country and the West. Meanwhile, the U.S., Australia, and many other nations continue to look for homegrown solutions to rare earths […]
November Rally: Multiple Precious Metal Prices Soared, But Silver Stole the Show
This month, both stock indices and precious metal prices saw consistent gains week over week as conflict continues to unfold in the Middle East and Europe. With prices for Yields falling a little over 3%, reaching their lowest levels in two months, price action for stock indices recently drove markets above 7% in response to […]
