The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remains bearish, declining 6.93% from May to June. Flat rolled steel prices returned to their bearish movement after peaking in April, while hot rolled coil prices retraced down to their March levels. Altogether, HRC prices have declined 13% from their April 14 high. Meanwhile, both cold rolled coil and […]
Category: Commodities
Is China’s Recovery Key to an Industrial Metal Rebound?
Some argue yes, and others argue no. Still, one fact remains certain: the West relies heavily on China when sourcing multiple metals. This includes everything from steel and copper to rare earths and lithium. Therefore, China’s slow recovery from its zero-COVID policies continues to take a massive toll on the global industrial metal trade, circulation, […]
Imports Put Bearish Pressure on European Steel Mills
Market participants report that prices for hot rolled coil in northern Europe continues to decline. The cause for the alarming steel news mainly concerns pressure from imports. Additionally, low demand and oversupply have been contributing factors in price fluctuations, with the problem persisting since early April. “The problem is not with Germany, but rather with […]
New Michigan Aluminum Plant to Go Live in Fall 2023
In the past, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing associates of Hydro, a Norwegian company specializing in low-carbon and recycled aluminum products. Getting their insight into the aluminum industry provided MetalMiner and our readers with valuable industry information. For instance, we’ve learned about Russian metal sanctions, how low-carbon aluminum prices compared to those of regular […]
Experts Anticipate Long-Term Volatility in the Lithium Market
Lithium, a crucial component in electric vehicles (EVs), seems to be the metal of the season. Indeed, over the past month, the market has seen loads of fresh developments around lithium pricing. Lithium mining and lithium battery usage have also been effected. Moreover, sector experts anticipate that lithium prices will continue to be volatile over […]
Sliding Iron Ore Prices Show China’s Recovery is Still Dragging
The iron ore slump shows that the Chinese economy continues to struggle. Moreover, if things on the steel front do not improve quickly, demand will be low for the rest of the year. Indeed, the decline in iron ore prices, which recently hit a five-month low, has many analysts worried about the robustness of China’s […]
Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Continue to Move Up
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved up again month-over-month after a bounce between March and April. The index moved up a modest 3.63%. Every part of the index either trended upward or moved sideways with a slight upward slant. Meanwhile, there are still many factors affecting precious metal prices. Many investors see […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Remains a Buyer’s Market Amid Flat Global Demand Projections
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose a modest 0.67% from April to May. Following increased volatility over the last few months, nickel prices began to slow down in terms of sharp breakouts or breakdowns. As a result, the larger sideways trend continued with no clear direction. Does your company have a stainless buying strategy […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Summer to Test Power Grid, Global Hunt for Transformers Continues
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped again this month, this time by 6.01%. Month-over-month, every part of the index fell except for U.S. plate steel. Somewhat weaker steel demand impacted Korean and Chinese steel plate prices, causing them to drop. Meanwhile, cobalt and silicon continued to fall due to oversupply. That said, the long-term […]
Tata Steel’s UK Plant Struggling with Rising Costs and Decarbonization Challenges
Difficult trading conditions and a lack of clarity over state aid have put the future of Tata Steel’s UK plant into doubt. The Indian parent group also warned that current conditions would soon affect Tata Steel prices at Port Talbot. “A stress test conducted by the board to assess the potential impact of the economic […]