The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped significantly from June to July. All in all, the index fell a staggering 22.05%. How will this impact steel prices today? Problems With China’s Solar Panel Manufacturing Dominance Some experts say that initiatives aimed at creating a zero-carbon future are being impacted by dependence on Chinese solar panels. […]
Category: Ferrous Metals
Plate and HRC Steel Production Strained as Factories Shut Down
Metinvest, the Ukrainian steel production and mining group, recently began the process of restarting several of their Italian flats rolling mills. The factories had been offline for scheduled maintenance throughout May. And with global supplies strained, both Metinvest and the market are welcoming the much-needed additional steel production. Metinvest’s plate and hot rolled coil mill […]
UK Proposing Extension of Protectionist Steel Measures
In desperate times, politicians turn to increasingly desperate policies to prop up support. This remains the case for British steel. Recently, the UK’s Boris Johnson has been dodging accusations that he repeatedly lied to parliament. This, combined with his seeming inability to admit his failings, has pushed political turmoil in the country to a fever […]
Estimating Stainless Steel Costs Becoming More Complicated
Last Month, MetalMiner reported that stainless steel cost had been holding strong amid high demand and increased production. However, we did identify some cracks in what might otherwise look like a solid recovery. As we transition from Q2 to Q3, some of those cracks have grown significantly. Low Demand in China Affecting Stainless Steel Cost […]
British Steel Begins Construction of New Billet Caster at Scunthorpe
New Steel Billet Caster in the Works Longs producer British Steel has begun constructing a billet casting machine at its Scunthorpe works. It will be the second such machine built at the site, which lies in England’s East Midlands region.On June 15th, the company said that the continuous caster should come on stream in late 2022. Once […]
Solar Panel Tariffs on China Halted, Causing Astonishment
For US President Joe Biden, it’s a Hobson’s choice on Chinese solar panel imports. His new move to pause tariffs on imported Chinese-made silicone solar panels for two years has been either hailed or criticized. The announcement came in the middle of an on-going investigation by the US Commerce Department. Possible trade agreement violations are […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel prices continue to drop
U.S. steel prices continue to retreat. After consistent week-over-week declines, HRC prices now sit more than 15% beneath their late-April peak while plate prices continue to trade sideways as they remain just 6% beneath their all-time high. The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 7.87% from May to June. Know what to do […]
EU to Take in Ukrainian Steel With New Tariff Adjustments
NOTE: This story was updated on 6.7.22 The European Commission (EC) has extended its existing safeguard tariffs on steel to June 30, 2024, but with some adjustments. In a letter to the WTO, the executive body for the 27-member group said the annual rate of liberalization is due to increase from 3% to 4% as […]
Iron Ore Prices Show Gains in China, but Is This a Temporary Rebound?
It’s still touch-and-go for the steel sector in China despite the sprouting of the first shoots of a possible manufacturing recovery. However, last Monday, benchmark iron ore prices in the country gained a surprising 7%. This is the biggest daily rise in two-and-a-half months. Is it a sign that we should be more optimistic, or […]
European Gas Impact on Steel Prices
Steel prices and gas are the primary topics of conversation today. It seems that steel traders in China are seeking more buyers abroad for their finished steel products. Meanwhile, Russia is mulling cutting gas supplies to the EU. Gas prices have an enormous impact on steel prices. China: Lockdowns at Home, Low Demand Abroad The […]