The British government and Tata Steel remain in discussion regarding the future of the Port Talbot steel manufacturing plant. Recently, the government said they may pledge a substantial £500 million (approx. U.S. $629 million) in financial support for the South Wales facility. This may be in addition to Tata Steel India’s planned investment of £700 million […]
Category: Commodities
Rare Earths MMI: Is China Losing the Rare Earth Magnets Race?
Seeing its first significant rise in over eight months, the Rare Earths MMI welcomed a boost of 6.84% month-over-month. Indeed, Chinese production of rare earths and rare earth magnets finally appears on the rise. It’s also possible that Chinese stimulus efforts impacted prices month-on-month. Neodymium, for instance, began a rally in mid-August before slowing down […]
China’s Relentless Pursuit of Lithium Battery Materials: A Growing Powerhouse
It seems that China’s hunger for lithium remains unsatiated. Indeed, a new S&P Global report highlighted the “red dragon’s” efforts to gobble up critical minerals, including lithium battery elements, from mines across the globe. The report explained how China’s reach continues to grow in terms of minerals, particularly those critical to products that have major […]
Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes
Buyers who depend on imports for semi-finished materials or finished components will undoubtedly cheer the recent fall in freight rates. Indeed, global logistics costs peaked in late 2022. Now, buyers will soon see relief from the historic highs of the COVID-induced ocean freight-feeding frenzy. Indeed, few will shed a tear to learn that many shipping […]
Platinum’s Dramatic Reversal: Are Precious Metals Prices Poised for a Resurgence?
Since late spring, platinum prices have seen significant downward movements. Crushed by bearish price action, prices have since declined by as much as 14%. At $950 / oz, platinum breached prior lows that had previously acted as support zones. However, precious metals prices for platinum recently bounced by 10% from the most recent low, shooting […]
Is China’s Undeniable Slowdown Leading It and Metal Prices into Deflation?
Many speculate that China’s slowdown will not only undermine metal prices but also put China at risk of experiencing a Japan-style decade of deflation. A recent Financial Times article suggests that China has tried various measures to stimulate economic growth. Examples include cutting lending rates, mortgage rates, business taxes, stock-trading fees, and admission costs at […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Drop Below Support Zones
The Global Precious Metals MMI did not deviate far from its ongoing sideways trend. Indeed, since April, the index has continued to stay within a tight trading range without much movement up or down. Moreover, precious metal prices, including those for gold and silver, remain relatively high when looking at their respective price ranges over […]
Shake Up for Aluminum Prices? China’s Surge into Indonesia Sparks Market Shifts
It’s called the “nickel model,” and China hopes to duplicate it for its aluminum industry. Indeed, after more than 20 years of fast growth, China’s aluminum sector recently reached its domestic capacity limit. The government imposed this ceiling on new smelter construction to cut down on pollution and energy consumption. Now, the policy spur significant […]
U.S. Slaps 122.5% Tariff on Chinese Tin Plate Steel, Sparks Accusations of Unfair Play
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently decided to enforce preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of tin mill and tin plate steel from China at a duty rate of 122.5%. As this is the highest preliminary rate, the move provoked severe criticism from trade analysts and experts across China. This tariff also applies to China’s leading […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Cobalt and Other Battery Metals Prices Rise Slightly
Since April, the Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) has been in a tight sideways trend. Falling demand and slumping material production for battery metals in China, as well as an oversupply of materials continue to exert bearish pressure on the index. However, month-over-month, the index finally broke its sideways trend, rising by 4.75%. Chinese stimulus […]
