To say the situation in Ukraine — and its impact on metal prices _— is constantly evolving situation would be an understatement. No sooner is the position defined when new developments put previous assessments out of date. Nonetheless, we will do our best to address many of the developments as they are evolving this week. […]
Category: Ferrous Metals
EU brings sanctions against Russian magnates; impact on steel prices remains to be seen
Continuing our coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on steel prices, aluminum prices and more, the European Union has brought sanctions against two Russian metals magnates on Feb. 28. The move comes on the heels of Russia’s invasion last week of Ukraine. This week’s MetalMiner newsletter will include additional analysis on […]
Ukraine shuts down two steel plants
Two steelmakers in Ukraine have placed their plants in conservation mode. This comes after the country’s invasion by Russian armed forces in the early hours of Feb. 24. Metinvest Holding announced that it would suspend operations for seven days throughout its hot end at the Azovstal plant as well as at the plant’s coke shop. […]
Russia sends in the troops, impacting metals markets
So, after weeks of will he, won’t he, Russian President Vladimir Putin finally ordered troops into two regions of eastern Ukraine. After recognizing Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states earlier this week, Putin made an emotional and rambling televised address to the Russian people. Where this will lead no one knows. But it seems unlikely […]
Forecasters call for rising Chinese iron ore prices
Ed note: MetalMiner analysts will present an aluminum and carbon steel price market outlook on Wednesday, March 2 at 11:00-11:30 am The price decline of iron ore appears short-lived as the Chinese government cracks down on speculative trading. This has led many market analysts to forecast a rise in ore prices in the coming months. […]
Ban on Australian coal imports has minimal impact on China steel prices
China and Australia appear to have finally moved away from each other. The relationship turned frosty after China imposed an “unofficial ban” on Australian coal imports back in November, 2019. At the time, many speculated that China would suffer more. But steel prices have held steadier as well. The dispute started between sometime in 2019 […]
The impact of Greensill Capital collapse on GFG Alliance and the UK steel making industry
Following the collapse of Greensill Capital in March 2021 many expected Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance metals empire to follow close behind. MetalMiner wasn’t alone in repeatedly questioning the murky financial structure of the sprawling group. Some media outlets suggested it reflected fraud bordering on a ponzi scheme. To most parties’ surprise, GFG has limped on […]
Construction MMI: Sector remains strong
In The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 0.6% month over month. US construction spending rose in 2021 U.S. construction spending reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,639.9 billion in December, the Census Bureau reported. The December rate marked a 0.2% increase from the revised rate November. Furthermore, the December figure jumped by […]
Raw Steels MMI: Prices slide while capacity grows
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 4.6% month over month. U.S. steel prices continue to fall, led by HRC. Plate prices moved sideways. Nonetheless, they remain beneath their peak. U.S., Japan reach Section 232 tariff agreement The U.S. and Japan reached an agreement regarding steel imports from Section 232 tariffs. Announced Feb. […]
Automotive MMI: Index drops 2% while Stellantis takes a page from the GM supplier handbook
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 2.5% for this month’s reading, following last month’s 3.4% decline. However, from a historical perspective, the Automotive MMI sits just off its all-time high. For nearly all of 2021, the entire automotive industry has felt pain. That pain has come in the form of high prices, lack […]