The revival of steel production in mature markets does not need to be all about state aid and protection. Although some would argue the steel industry in the U.K. would not be in the condition it is now if it had state aid and protection in previous decades. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two […]
Category: Ferrous Metals
Is Aluminum Not as Strong as it Should Be?
You may be excused for wondering quite what is happening to the aluminum price. Base metals have continued in a robust rally since the recent volatility knocked prices sideways along with equities and the associated havoc in the bond market. Buying Aluminum in 2018? Download MetalMiner’s free annual price outlook But having fallen, aluminum prices […]
Department of Commerce Releases Section 232 Aluminum, Steel Recommendations
When the Department of Commerce announced last month that Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross had forwarded his Section 232 steel report (and the following week, aluminum) to President Donald Trump, the details of the report were not made public. Section 232 buying strategies – download MetalMiner’s Section 232 Investigation Impact Report today! That changed Friday, […]
European Steel Association Market Overview Bullish on 2018-2019
The European Steel Association’s (EUROFER) recent steel market overview hailed 2017 as an “expansionary” year for the industry while also issuing positive sentiment about 2018 and 2019. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook The overview said apparent steel consumption in Q3 2017 rose 1.1% year over year in the […]
Stainless Steel MMI: LME Nickel Price, Stainless Surcharges Both Rise
The Stainless Steel MMI (Monthly Metals Index) jumped four points again this month for a February reading of 75.
Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook
In January, skyrocketing LME nickel prices drove the Stainless Steel MMI. Nickel prices have climbed above the $13,000/mt level. 304 and 316 surcharges increased this month, returning to their previous levels.
LME Nickel
Nickel prices increased sharply during January. However, prices decreased slightly in early February. As reported previously by MetalMiner, nickel price volatility has increased over the past few months. Therefore, nickel prices may prove quite tumultuous from a short-term perspective and are trading within the orange-dotted band in the chart below.
[caption id="attachment_90272" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets[/caption]
The long-term nickel price uptrend also remains strong. Prices have moved toward June 2015 levels and already breached our October 2017 long-term resistance levels, as per our Annual Outlook. Therefore, nickel prices remain in a strong uptrend and could continue increasing in the coming months.
Domestic Stainless Steel Market
Following the recovery in stainless steel momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased this month. Surcharges remain above last year’s lows (under $0.4/pound); they remain in an uptrend, even if their pace has slowed. However, buying organizations may want to look at surcharges closely to reduce risks, either via forward buys or hedging.
[caption id="attachment_90273" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)[/caption]
FerroChrome vs. Chrome Metal
Two months ago, MetalMiner reported on the anomaly between ferrochrome and chrome metal prices.
[caption id="attachment_90274" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)[/caption]
Ferrochrome (FeCr) is a chromium and iron alloy containing 50% to 70% chromium by weight. Historically, Ferrochrome and chrome prices correlate tightly but the high iron ore prices caused ferrochrome to spike. However, both prices (ferrochrome and chrome) have fallen back to their historical trading pattern of moving together.
What This Means for Industrial Buyers
Stainless steel momentum appears in recovery, similar to all the other forms of steel. As both steel and nickel remain in a bull market, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips. To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.
MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel
Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends
This Morning in Metals: January Finished Steel Import Market Share Hits 26%
This morning in metals news, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported finished steel imports accounted for 26% of the U.S. market, analysts expect the index that measures market volatility to come back down and General Motors reported strong 2017 earnings. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook Steel […]
This Morning in Metals: China Aims to Hit 2020 Steel Capacity Reduction Goal This Year
This morning in metals news, China is aiming to meet its 2020 goal for steel capacity cuts this year, a new bottle technology makes aluminum bottles feel like plastic and copper output in the Democratic Republic of Congo rose significantly in 2017. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook Chinese […]
This Morning in Metals: Voestalpine Chief Executive Warns of European Steel Overcapacity
This morning in metals news, the chief executive of Austria’s Voestalpine says Europe’s steel industry has excess capacity, copper picked up as the dollar’s gains paused and automotive aluminum use is picking up according to one survey.Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook Aluminum Autos The aluminum sector is becoming […]
Indian Steel Exports Post ‘Unprecedented’ Rise in 2017
There’s a feel-good story emerging out of India vis-a-vis the steel sector. A recent policy document showed a rise in steel exports in 2017, while a freshly released World Steel Association (WSA) report recorded a growth in crude steel production last year. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook The […]
USGS: U.S. Mines Produced $75.2 Billion in Minerals Last Year
According to a recent report from the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. mining industry produced $75.2 billion in minerals in 2017. Buying Aluminum in 2018? Download MetalMiner’s free annual price outlook The information was published in the USGS’s annual Mineral Commodities Survey. In the import market, the U.S. was 100% reliant on outside sources for […]
