The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, increasing by a modest 1.09% from June to July. Copper prices appear sideways after last month’s rally faltered. After June 22, prices began to retrace, but found a bottom by the end of the month. They then enjoyed a modest rise during the first week of July. […]
Category: Commodities
Boliden’s Tara Zinc Mine on Hold Due to Dwindling Profits, Escalating Expenses
Plummeting zinc metal prices and rising energy costs recently prompted Boliden to place its Tara zinc mine on care and maintenance until further notice. “The business is currently cash flow negative due to a combination of factors,” the Swedish metals producer said. Officials went on to specify that these operational challenges included “a decline in […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Race Continues Between U.S. and China
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw little change month-on-month. Overall, the index continued its sideways trend, dropping a slight 2.5%. Rare earth carbonate saw the largest price shift between June 1 and July 1, dipping 10.59%. Still, as a whole, the index continues to trend in stark difference to the sharp price drops […]
Chinese Steel Manufacturing Sounds the Alarms
This past weekend, China’s primary steel manufacturing companies released a cautionary statement regarding their profits. In the statement, the manufacturers acknowledged a series of obstacles they expect to encounter in the latter half of the year. They also attribute disappointing demand, dwindling profitability, and cost reduction pressures as the primary factors exacerbating these challenges. The China […]
Metal Prices: Hot-Rolled Coil Trends Down, Nickel Appears Bearish
Metal prices demonstrated increasingly-bearish short-term movement over the past couple of weeks. HRC, for instance, continues to trend downward while nickel faces extensive bearish pressure. But while prices may continue to decline in the short-term, will the long-term trend continue? Nickel in a Bearish Market Nickel prices fell more than 20% in the first three […]
Are Copper Futures REALLY as Bullish as Some Say?
We’ve all heard the story. “The green energy movement will keep copper up!.” But, realistically, how bullish is the long-term outlook for copper? Here at MetalMiner, we’ve pondered this question quite a bit. Ultimately, we’ve come to the conclusion that the copper futures indeed possess a lot of long-term potential. However, is it possible that […]
Is India the U.S.’s New China?
In a recent interview, Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at the Financial Times, explored the growing relationship between the U.S. and India. The article primarily targets a British audience, but still playfully mock the Brits’ obsession with the “special relationship” between the UK and US. Most people acknowledge that this relationship originated during the […]
Most Indian Steel & Aluminum Imports to Be Excluded From U.S. Tariffs
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the United States. During his stay, the two nations agreed to resolve six long-standing disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.S. steel news outlets watched this exchange particularly closely. This is because one of the subjects of debate was India’s imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, […]
Do High Russian Aluminum Volumes Call the LME’s Integrity into Question?
(Editor’s Note: This article has been edited and updated since it’s earlier publication to reflect the LME position on Russian origin materials) It’s no news that the London Metal Exchange (LME) has seen a big rise in Russian aluminum inventories in its warehouses. However, the surge in Russian metal remains a source of concern. After […]
EU Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism Deals Blow to India’s Aluminum Industry
The EU’s implementation of the Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) poses a significant challenge to India’s aluminum industry and the global price of aluminum. The move stems from the EU’s eagerness to tackle carbon and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, as one of the leading low-cost aluminum producers, India faces a considerable setback due to […]