The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held its sideways trend, dropping by a slight 1.09%. Despite a torrent of construction news, the index didn’t budge much month-over-month and had a minimal reaction to recent interest rate drops. The Fed will likely need to drop interest rates more aggressively for the construction index to display any […]
Category: Global Trade
Déjà Vu for China: Copper Scrap Shortages Push Copper to New Heights
It’s déjà vu for China’s copper smelters. But how will it affect the global price of copper? The shortfall China faced in mid-2024 following the limited availability of copper ore in June led the country to significantly increase its imports of copper scrap as an alternative raw material. In fact, in the first five months […]
From Oil Kingdom to Mineral Titan? Inside Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Mining Revolution
Saudi Arabia is striving to strike a balance between its oil and other mineral resources with the goal of trying to keep its energy dominance intact, something it has managed to do so far with regard to oil production. According to reports, the Kingdom wants to increase the GDP contribution of its mining industry to […]
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Oil. However, is It Now the Kingdom of Metals?
With the growing imperative of a global clean energy transition, many nations face deficits in reserves of mineral resources. In response to this, a significant number of them are turning their focus to the African continent, but that’s old news. For the last year or so, Saudi Arabia has taken major steps beyond its traditional […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rebels Continue to Invade and Take Over Crucial Rare Earth Mines
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) trended sideways with a slightly downward movement of 2.59%. Numerous factors remain at play within the global rare earths market. One of the most significant factors rare earths buyers need to remain aware of is the ongoing conflict within Myanmar, one of the world’s key rare earth suppliers, […]
Coking Coal’s Rollercoaster Ride: What 2024 Taught Us About Steelmaking’s Essential Ingredient
The story of coking coal in 2024, especially its price in global markets, has mainly been “one step forward and one step back.” A raw material essential for steel production, coking coal prices have been under pressure in the last half of 2024 due to sluggish growth in global steel output. Like other raw materials, […]
China’s Export Tax Rebate Shock: The Aluminum Market Faces a New Reality
A much-reported but little-understood development in the aluminum market this month has the potential to significantly alter the supply chain landscape for aluminum semi-finished metals in the year ahead. Beyond that, it could have serious repercussions for the price of aluminum around the globe. As my colleague Nichole already reported, China’s Ministry of Finance canceled […]
Global Markets Brace for Aluminum Bull Run Amid Supply Crunch
Global bauxite and aluminum prices have surged to a five-month high this month, driven by economic growth, growing supply concerns, a dip in the value of the U.S. dollar and the “China factor.” Currently, analysts predict that prices could rise further from current levels. Aluminum prices are currently about 18% higher year-on-year. Even aluminum futures […]
How Will the Incoming Trump Administration Impact Industrial Metal Prices?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, the industrial metals market is poised for a number of shifts. His proposed policies, particularly concerning tariffs and infrastructure development, are expected to influence metal prices both positively and negatively. Knowledge is key in navigating tariffs and metal market fluctuations. Don’t miss out on […]
Trump’s Return: Will Tariffs and Green Tech Define the Future of HRC Prices?
Big changes seem to be coming for the steel industry in Europe and the U.S. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, recently put forth a masterplan for a new industrial strategy in the 27-member bloc. Mainly the work of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who now serves as special adviser to […]
