In a landmark move that could reshape global commodity markets and impact iron ore prices BHP Billiton has agreed to settle 30% of its iron ore spot trades with Chinese buyers in Chinese Yuan (RMB). This represents a significant departure from the longstanding U.S. dollar standard. Set to begin in Q4 2025, the shift marks a […]
Category: Global Trade
Europe’s HRC Market Braces for Shock as EU Eyes Deep Quota Cuts and 50% Tariffs
Hot rolled coil prices in Europe have remained largely unchanged in the past two weeks. However, a proposal by the European Union to slash import quotas has raised concerns among market participants. Hot Rolled Coil Deliveries Surging into the EU Mills in northern Europe continue to seek €580-600 ($700) per metric ton EXW for the […]
America’s Rare Earths Pivot: Why Australia is Now Central to Beating China’s Mineral Grip
While geopolitical tensions continue and rare earths supply chain vulnerabilities deepen, the United States is quietly redrawing the global map of critical mineral sourcing, and Australia seems to be emerging as a cornerstone. The latest development on this front is the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) issuing a letter of interest to fund up to US […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Drift Upward Despite Stock Surplus
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) broke above range, with a 3.7% rise from September to October. This comes as copper prices, along with many other metals, continue to show an upside bias. Copper Joins Other Base Metals in Upward Trend Comex copper prices hit a two-month high, barreling past the 11k per metric ton […]
Aluminum MMI: Mill Fire Adds Fuel to U.S. Aluminum Prices
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, rising by a modest 0.5% from September to October. Meanwhile, the price of aluminum remains in an uptrend, supported by a growing number of factors. Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Read the 5 golden rules for […]
Iron Ore Prices Rebound Amid Surge in China’s Steel Export Outlook
Iron ore prices rose this week, despite the overall weakness in the steel industry. Analysts are puzzled by this contradiction, particularly as China’s steel production and local consumption are still not recovering at the rate they should be. According to sector experts, the recent surge hints at a gap between actual raw material demand and […]
Rare Earths MMI – End of Summer Rally: New U.S. Policy Moves and 40% Price Spikes
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, but gained bullish momentum from the prior month, rising 2.15%. This comes as the rare earths market experienced numerous developments over the past 30 days, including discussions between Malaysia and China to develop new plans for rare earth processing. Notably, this would be limited strictly to […]
China Lifts Rare Earth Export Curbs On India
In a move with far-reaching implications for global supply chains and global diplomacy, China has lifted its export restrictions on rare earths to India. The monumental decision also includes key commodities like fertilizers and tunnel boring machines, and follows high-level talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who […]
China vs. Canada: Steel Showdown Heads to the WTO
China’s decision to file a complaint in the World Trade Organization against Canadian tariffs and the steel tariff rate quota has re-focused the spotlight on what many have dubbed an “already-strained trade relationship” between the two countries. A few years ago, both nations resorted to tit-for-tat measures, including tariffs on everything from canola to electric […]
Stainless MMI: Suppliers Note Weak Q2 Despite Firm Stainless Prices
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a modest 0.32% increase from July to August. Though it also remained flat for the month, the nickel price continued on an overall downtrend. Stainless Mills Note Weak Demand Despite a round of price hikes in recent months, the stainless market remains weak, with no evidence […]