The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved up with a 7.32% rise from November to December. Meanwhile, the nickel price index appeared decidedly bullish throughout the month. While nickel prices modestly retraced from their early month rally, upside price action continued to support the short-term range breakout. Sustained increases should foster further bullish anticipation, which […]
Category: Exports
With China Failing, Volatile Metal Prices Could Spill into 2023
There have been a number of dynamics driving metals prices this year. They’ve ranged from the strength of the USD to the war in Ukraine to the still-ongoing energy crisis. However, as with the past two decades, the primary recurring theme remains Chinese demand. As both producer and consumer of most of the world’s major […]
Zinc Price Index Cooling Down After Sharp Rally
Like most base metals, the zinc price index rose during the first week of November. However, the 15th marked the last day of zinc’s sharp rally, as prices soon began to cool down and return back to prior support and resistance zones. As with other metal production facilities, Zinc smelters use a lot of energy. […]
India Revokes Export Duties on Steel and Iron Ore
The Indian Government recently decided to scrap export duties on steel products and iron ore. The domestic industry has thus far hailed the move, but some worry it may not boost exports in the short term. The export tax on iron ore lumps, fines, and pellets is now gone. Last Saturday, India officially scrapped an […]
Aluminum Supply Suffers From Industrial Shut-Downs
Thing may appear better in China than they are, at least as far as the country’s metals and minerals markets are concerned. However, China still remains the go-to destination for European steel and aluminum supply. Energy-sensitive European factories and aluminum smelters remain stranded due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Western Europe’s gas and electricity supplies […]
Rare Earths Companies Experience Cyber Attacks
For the longest time, the world relied solely on China for its supply of rare earths. Now, it seems that most countries have woken up to the “rare earths reality.” That is, we are starting to understand how important these elements are for vital sectors like defense as well as for products we use every […]
Gas Shortage: The Ramifications of Russian Oil and Gas Cutoffs
It’s no secret that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a massive global impact. From the sanctions to the natural gas supply cutoffs, the economic toll is both catastrophic and far from over. Currently, economists and other experts are trying to predict how different parts of the world will react to the gas shortage. So […]
China Steel Mills Hurting, Iron Ore Prices Reeling
2022 has been a roller coaster ride for iron ore prices, which dipped yet again on Monday. Of course, demand from Chinese steel remains the top reason for either a rise or downturn in prices. This week, as it turns out, was no different. In fact, prices tumbled immediately after analysts explained their “bleak outlook” […]
Construction MMI: Optimism Rises While Indices Decline
The Construction MMI dropped by 9.41% from May into June. The decline comes amid growing optimism about the state of the industry. Even so, talk of recession continues to cast a shadow over the post-COVID economy. U.S. Construction Market Expected to Grow 3% by 2026 Despite the doom and gloom recession talk going on, […]
Is Energy-Intensive Metals Production in Europe Coming to an End?
The extremely high natural gas prices this past winter have left many Europeans reeling. At the time, the increased costs were blamed on a shortage of Russian supplies. Today, many are wondering if the restrictions on gas exports by Russia were intentional. A reminder to Europeans of their vulnerability prior to the invasion of Ukraine, […]
