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 […]
Category: Ferrous Metals
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 […]
Construction MMI: Construction Spending Moves in Opposite Directions
The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 2.9% from April to May, with construction spending averaging a very minor increase. To see our take on macroeconomic indicators, subscribe to the free MetalMiner Weekly update email. Labor, Supply Chain Drag U.S. Non-Residential Construction Spending in March According to the U.S. Census Bureau, non-residential construction spending […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Fall As Demand Concerns Mount
The ascent for U.S. steel prices faltered as HRC, CRC, and HDG prices began to fall in early May. Plate prices also took a big dip. All in all, the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 8.9% from April to May. Know what to do when the market shifts. Related article: The […]
Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) Drops with Steel Prices But GOES Rises
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 6.4% with notable drops in steel prices, particularly for plate. Source: MetalMiner Insights Biden’s Plan for a More Renewable US Breaking news in the US Green Energy push. The Biden Administration has released an “action plan” intended to accelerate permitting on new green projects. The goal is to loosen […]
Automotive MMI: Auto Sector Remains Constrained
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held flat from April to May. This was largely the result of a number of factors working in concert. Below, we’ll dig deeper into the automotive marketplace to see if we can determine what to expect for the rest of 2022. Automotive MMI: China Auto Sales, Production Plunge In […]
UK Government Freezes Steel Producer Evraz
The UK government recently announced an asset freeze on London-headquartered metal and mining group Evraz. Authorities claim that Evraz is receiving benefits or support from the Russian government to conduct business in strategic and economic sectors. True or not, the freeze has broad implications for global steel production. From steel to copper and beyond, it’s […]