The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a mere 0.12% increase from September to October. U.S. flat rolled steel prices showed mixed direction during September. HRC prices traded up, CRC prices moved sideways and HDG prices traded down. However, CRC and HDG prices found at least a short-term bottom in September. By […]
Category: Ferrous Metals
Tata Steel’s High-Stakes Bet: £500M Government-Backed Plan to Modernize Port Talbot
After signing a grant funding agreement with the UK government, Tata Steel is eyeing a 2027 start-up of two new electric arc furnaces at its Port Talbot plant in Wales. Many in the steel industry consider the switchover to be a real test for Tata, the UK government, and “green” technology. “Tata Steel has already […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Remain Sideways Ahead of Cuts
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a 2.34% decline from August to September. U.S. steel prices trended either sideways or down over recent weeks. HRC and CRC prices appeared to find a bottom in August but did not show enough momentum to the upside to form an uptrend. Meanwhile, HDG prices […]
Renewables MMI: China’s New Decarbonization Initiatives, What it Means for Steel and Aluminum Buyers
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) finally witnessed a significant increase in price action for the first time in a year. In total, the index ascended by 9.97%, drawing fresh attention to renewable resources. The main culprit for the increase in price action was a significant rise in neodymium prices, likely in response to China’s […]
9 Months of Limbo for Nippon Steel’s Buyout of U.S. Steel: Will it Happen, or Not?
Due to numerous obstacles, Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel has been on hold for nine months. The agreement is currently under investigation from all angles, with heavy resistance from steel industry labor unions and politicians. For manufacturers and procurement specialists involved in the metal supply chain, comprehending the details of this […]
Chinese Steel & Aluminum Buyers: Brace for Oncoming Crackdown!
It has been in the works for some time now. China is finally all set to add industrial metal sectors like steel and aluminum as well as cement to its national carbon trading market. According to media reports, the change will happen by the end of 2024. Essentially, this means domestic steel, aluminum and cement […]
Construction MMI: Steel Prices Dip Further with Ongoing Steel Demand Weakness Within China
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke further out of its sideways trend, dipping by 3.61%. The main culprits driving the index down month-over-month were falling steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, compelled by weak domestic demand within China. With China’s property sector not anticipated to strengthen in the short term, steel prices could continue […]
Automotive MMI: How is China’s Excessive Steel Dumping Impacting the Automotive Industry?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-on-month, only rising by 0.78%. Hot dipped galvanized steel prices remained sideways, which helped to hold the index firmly in range. However, China’s recent dumping of excess steel supply into international markets could cause downward price movement and bearish sentiment for the remainder of 2024. China’s Hot-Dipped […]
Liberty Steel’s Polish Plant Faces Uncertain Future as Court Declares Bankruptcy
Big changes seem on the way for the Polish steel industry. Recently, local steel news outlets reported that several companies have expressed interest in leasing Polish plate producer Huta Częstochowa, which Liberty Steel acquired in 2021, after a local court declared the plant bankrupt in July. Among the potential suitors for the plant is the […]
Has China Lost its Grip on the Global Steel Industry?
Amidst continuing reports of an economic downturn with little or no sign of improvement now comes a report that the Chinese Government has suspended the system allowing approval of new steel plants. It is a move that could have significant implications for the Chinese steel industry and global steel manufacturing as a whole. According to […]