The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed another sharp rise in price action month-over-month, this time increasing by 8.33%. The main culprit behind the bullish momentum was China’s rare earths export restriction, which officially went into effect on October 1. The rare earths market could continue to experience volatility with the new restrictions in […]
Category: Global Trade
East Coast Logistics Paralysis: Union Strikes Set to Cripple Supply Chains
Maybe the port strike was inevitable. The unions are likely hedging their bets that a softer Democrat administration will fight in their corner now in the event a less cooperative Republican administration replaces them. They could be going for it while they feel they will get a better hearing from the top. So far, that […]
Copper MMI: New Trends Impacting Sideways Copper Prices in 2025
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a 1.49% rise from August to September. Following roughly two months of declines, the price of copper stabilized during August after they found a bottom on August 8. Prices saw a modest rebound following rate cut cues from the Fed. However, the rally proved short-lived, […]
Stainless MMI: Steep Stainless Discounts as Nickel Price Rally Collapses
Overall, the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) posted slight growth, with a 3.54% rise from August to September. Nickel prices rallied throughout August, halting months of steep declines. All in all, prices rose 3.18% during the month as they found a peak on August 30. However, the rebound proved short-lived. The price of nickel collapsed […]
Antimony and Tungsten: Is China’s Export Crackdown a Response to Global Trade Pressures?
For many years, most of the world has looked at China with some degree of trepidation where critical minerals are concerned. The reason? China currently produces about 60% of the world’s all-important rare earth metals and is responsible for roughly 90% of the refined rare earths available on the market. Now, there’s something more to […]
Renewables MMI: China’s New Decarbonization Initiatives, What it Means for Steel and Aluminum Buyers
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) finally witnessed a significant increase in price action for the first time in a year. In total, the index ascended by 9.97%, drawing fresh attention to renewable resources. The main culprit for the increase in price action was a significant rise in neodymium prices, likely in response to China’s […]
Construction MMI: Steel Prices Dip Further with Ongoing Steel Demand Weakness Within China
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke further out of its sideways trend, dipping by 3.61%. The main culprits driving the index down month-over-month were falling steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, compelled by weak domestic demand within China. With China’s property sector not anticipated to strengthen in the short term, steel prices could continue […]
Automotive MMI: How is China’s Excessive Steel Dumping Impacting the Automotive Industry?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-on-month, only rising by 0.78%. Hot dipped galvanized steel prices remained sideways, which helped to hold the index firmly in range. However, China’s recent dumping of excess steel supply into international markets could cause downward price movement and bearish sentiment for the remainder of 2024. China’s Hot-Dipped […]
Rare Earths MMI: U.S. Businesses Most Impacted by China’s Rare Earths Crackdown
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) managed to reverse and pull up by 8.66% after experiencing steady declines since May. Numerous parts of the rare earths index reversed price action, including neodymium and terbium oxide. China’s recent crackdown on rare earth supplies has caused a shift in the global market, creating significant bullish sentiment […]
Has China Lost its Grip on the Global Steel Industry?
Amidst continuing reports of an economic downturn with little or no sign of improvement now comes a report that the Chinese Government has suspended the system allowing approval of new steel plants. It is a move that could have significant implications for the Chinese steel industry and global steel manufacturing as a whole. According to […]
