The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) seemed to find some stabilization after six months of dropping followed by a brief rebound in May. Overall, the index moved sideways, rising by just 2.11%. Meanwhile, prices for rare earth elements continue to pull in both directions due to a number of factors. Issues like ongoing supply […]
Category: Global Trade
India’s Steel Industry Under Stress: Chinese Imports Could Surge Amid U.S. Tariffs
India’s steel industry currently finds itself in a stressful predicament. Already reeling from cheap steel imports, the country is now even more worried about a surge of Chinese imports following the imposition of fresh tariffs on Chinese steel by U.S. President Joe Biden. Alongside the U.S., India and many other countries around the world have […]
Renewables MMI: Problematic Dependence on China for Silicon and Solar Panels?
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued its slight downward trend month-on-month, dropping by 3.8%. Two large components of the index, silicon and cobalt prices, continue to experience drops due to lingering renewable energy supply bottlenecks from 2023. This, along with falling grain-oriented electrical steel prices, brought the index down Silicon for Solar Panels: A […]
China’s Iron Ore Imports Projected to Hit Record High Amid Global Supply Shifts
If iron ore is in the news, can China be far behind? Contrary to earlier predictions, China may end up importing a record consignment of iron ore this year. With the global iron ore price fluctuating, this could have widespread ramifications. A recent Reuters report quoted market analysts as saying that China’s ore imports this […]
Outokumpu Expects Sideways Stainless Market, Promotes the Necessity for Protectionism
Speaking at the Chicago chapter of the Association of Women in the Metals Industry’s (AWMI) most recent dinner, Outokumpu Business Area Americas CEO and President Tamara Weinert highlighted the many challenges facing domestic stainless producers. She also commented on the global stainless steel price, the company’s overall outlook, and its path toward a greener future. […]
How Increased Offshore Exploration Is Redefining the Rare Earth Minerals Market
Ramped-up offshore exploration for rare earth metals and minerals, vital components in sought-after products like hybrid vehicles and smartphone screens, continues to cut into China’s long-held position as the primary global supplier. Countries like Australia, the United States, Myanmar, and even nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan continue to increase their extraction efforts. This […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Retreat after Failing to Break 2023 High
Overall, the Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 7.06% from April to May. The aluminum price remained bullish throughout April, rising 11.47% month over month. However, prices found a peak on April 22 when they failed to break above their 2023 high. They then retraced to the downside during the remainder of the month and […]
Rare Earths MMI: Chinese Rare Earth Profits Continue to Slide
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw a massive rebound after four months of sharp declines. All in all, the index rose by a whopping 14.36%. This enormous increase could indicate that prices for rare earth metals finally found a bottom between March and April. Chinese Rare Earth Metals Profits Still Declining China’s mining […]
Copper Hits Record $10,000 Milestone: Experts Warn of Impending Supply Crisis
It took about 24 months for the price of copper to reach the psychological mark of U.S. $10,000 per metric ton. Three-month copper futures on the London Metal Exchange (LME) touched the $10k mark last week. The last time copper crossed this threshold was in March 2022, when it reached $10,845 per ton in the […]
India’s Battle for Steel Self-Reliance Intensifies Amid Import Surge
India has ended the financial year 2023-2024 as a net importer of finished steel, which has sent the alarm bells ringing in industry circles throughout India. Mainly, insiders want to know how the changing import status might affect steel costs and India’s push for self reliance. According to news agency Reuters, as per initial government […]
