With the United States and China ratcheting down the tariff war (for 90 days at least), many expected that the export of rare earths and permanent magnets would soon return to pre-trade war conditions, as MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter weighed in on in the past. However, that does not seem to be happening on the ground. […]
Category: Commodities
Volatility’s Back, and It’s Wreaking Havoc on Metal Sourcing Strategies
Speculators may love volatility, but metal buyers hate it. As for Trump Tariffs 2025, the jury is still out. The truth is that a bout of unexpected turbulence like we’ve seen over the last couple of months can knock even the best-laid strategies sideways. The reasons are clear: markets nosedived in March and hit bottom […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Volatile on Tariff Shifts
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) retraced to the downside with a 4.23% decline from March to April. Looking at copper prices today, analysts seem to be struggling with ongoing trade policy shifts. Copper Prices Zigzag Amid Uncertain Trade Policy Comex copper prices have experienced wild swings over the past few months. First, they […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Steals the Show Again with Brand New Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose month-over-month. Overall, the index saw a price increase of 5.11% as precious metals prices fluctuated and gold prices hit new record highs again. Palladium Remains Lackluster Palladium continues to put in an underwhelming performance. Its biggest demand driver, automotive catalytic converters, has softened as U.S. vehicle […]
Renewables MMI: Buyers Stock Up Ahead of 10% Tariff Deadline
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, rising a slight 2.83%. Metals prices, including those for copper, steel, lithium and cobalt, have seen significant swings in recent weeks as U.S. companies scramble to source material before tariffs are imposed. For instance, U.S. copper prices surged in Q1 as buyers raced ahead of potential import […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Prices Stable Despite Q1 Market Improvements
Declining nickel prices saw the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) drop from April to May. Overall, the index fell 3.34%. Suppliers Report Better Q1 Performance Domestic stainless suppliers reported improved market conditions in the first quarter. Both mills and service centers saw shipments increase as the barrage of tariff announcements spooked at least a few […]
Iron Ore Defies the Odds: Prices Surge After Tariff Rollbacks
The past week or so has seen quite a yo-yo ride for global iron ore prices. Ore futures, including the most-active September contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE), dropped by about 2% on May 8. The reasons for this were twofold: the likely consequences of the U.S.-China trade tariff war, and a demand slowdown […]
China’s Steel Flood: ASEAN Struggles as Exports Surge 32% Overnight
There’s no doubt that China is desperately seeking new markets to hawk its goods and commodities after the U.S. trade tariffs kicked in. This is especially true when it comes to the country’s steel industry. In fact, even prior to the trade war, Beijing was actively looking at expanding its access to steel markets. So, […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stabilize as Midwest Premium Hold onto Gains
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) appeared increasingly bearish with a 3.08% decline from April to May. What do other metal and commodity market trends mean for aluminum trends? Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Aluminum Prices Stabilize Following Post-Tariff Drop Aluminum prices found an […]
Construction MMI: Construction Market Braces Itself as Recession Fears Loom
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, dropping by 2.72%. In the wake of fresh federal policy moves this spring, construction news reports indicate that the industry is navigating a sudden spike in material costs. Over the past month, new government tariffs and trade measures have caused significant price fluctuations in critical inputs […]