Category: Global Trade

How U.S. Manufacturers Shift Gears and Save Money Amid Metal Price Volatility

How U.S. Manufacturers Shift Gears and Save Money Amid Metal Price Volatility Automotive

U.S. manufacturers in the automotive, appliance and general industrial sectors are overhauling procurement strategies as economic volatility and swings in steel, aluminum and copper prices squeeze margins. Recent U.S. tariff actions have jolted metals markets, sending input costs soaring for downstream manufacturers. According to Reuters, the uncertainty not only triggered panic buying but extended lead times […]

Rare Earths MMI: Ukraine and U.S. Strike Critical Minerals Deal

Rare Earths MMI: Ukraine and U.S. Strike Critical Minerals Deal Ukraine Deal, rare earths

The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed a significant rise in price action month-over-month, with a total increase of 7.67%. So far, the global rare earths market has been on a springtime rollercoaster. Between April 1 and May 2, 2025, prices for these critical elements saw abrupt swings, supply chains were tested by geopolitics […]

U.S. Aluminum vs. European Aluminum: A Comprehensive Short-Term Market Outlook

U.S. Aluminum vs. European Aluminum: A Comprehensive Short-Term Market Outlook EU, aluminum market and Trump tariffs

A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trump’s aluminum tariffs is how differently it’s playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some […]

Is Copper About to Spark a Global Commodities Rally?

Is Copper About to Spark a Global Commodities Rally? Copper piping and other parts

Copper was touted as the hottest commodity of 2025, as covered in MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter. Capped by April’s tariff-driven turbulence, the last quarter only reinforced that view. Now it seems copper prices are poised to lead other metals in the short term. Many experts believe copper has reached an inflection point. As such, they expect […]

Auto Shock: Trump’s 25% Tariff Sends Europe Reeling

Auto Shock: Trump’s 25% Tariff Sends Europe Reeling AdobeStock 1215930697 scaled e1744037908824

The “Trump Tariffs” continue to shock global markets, affecting multiple major sectors. Recently, European auto manufacturing ombudsmen reacted with alarm to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% import tariff on auto imports into the United States. EU Auto Leaders React to Trump Tariffs Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, […]

Is China Using Rare Earths as Its Most Powerful Trade Weapon Yet?

Is China Using Rare Earths as Its Most Powerful Trade Weapon Yet? AdobeStock 981830202 scaled e1744809561352

China is once again weaponizing rare earths elements in the tariff war with the United States. According to media reports, China recently suspended the export of certain rare earth minerals, ostensibly while re-drafting the regulations covering such exports. MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter states that if the issue is not resolved soon, both the halt in rare […]

Global Precious Metals MMI: “Yellow Metal” Come Out Once Again as Hedging Safe Haven Amidst Tariffs

Global Precious Metals MMI: “Yellow Metal” Come Out Once Again as Hedging Safe Haven Amidst Tariffs metal prices 2024.

The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw a significant bullish action month-over-month, rising by a total of 8%. The U.S. precious metals market (and precious metals prices in general) saw dramatic swings over the past five weeks amid a backdrop of stubborn inflation, evolving interest rate expectations, new tariffs and geopolitical tensions. All […]

Tata Steel Ups its Game at Port Talbot With $1.56B Overhaul

Tata Steel Ups its Game at Port Talbot With $1.56B Overhaul AdobeStock 1162510021 Editorial Use Only scaled e1744911957206

Tata Steel recently signed an agreement to install a new pickling line at its Port Talbot site in Wales. The steel industry leader’s latest move will offer 50% more capacity than the existing line. According to the company’s April 9 announcement, the new equipment will have an annual capacity of 1.8 million metric tons and […]

Construction MMI: China Tariffs Climb to 145%. What it Means for China-Sourced Construction Materials

Construction MMI: China Tariffs Climb to 145%. What it Means for China-Sourced Construction Materials US China trade war, Trump Tariffs

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke out of its over 6-month-long sideways trend to pivot down 5.41%. This new movement outside of its sideways range could indicate more volatility in the short term than the index experienced in the past 12 months. The new Trump tariffs on China caused some volatility in the price […]

Fortress Europe? EU Slams the Gate on Steel Imports in Dumping Crackdown

Fortress Europe? EU Slams the Gate on Steel Imports in Dumping Crackdown EU Tariffs, steel tariffs

Amid chaos from steel tariffs, the European Commission plans to tighten steel import quotas on April 1 over fears of dumping on the bloc. Those fears primarily stem from U.S. President Donald Trump’s implementation of 25% duties on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, which came into effect in early March. The […]

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