“People are running around the world looking for rare earth elements.” This one sentence in the South China Morning Post, quoting James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, sums up the current rare earths situation well. Chin’s comment is even more true following the recent supply disruptions in Myanmar, which caused […]
Category: Global Trade
Rare Earths MMI: Market Unstable With Multiple Supply Chain Disruptions. Are the Bulls Coming?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw its upward price action slow as prices experienced only a slight uptick of 0.38%. While upward price action for rare earths did lose steam month-over-month, prices could soon witness another bullish boost. Not only did China’s rare earth export ban go into effect as of October 1, […]
China’s Reports Record Iron Ore Imports Despite Steel Slump. What’s Behind This?
A familiar story is playing out in China this October, and it could have ramifications for the global iron ore price. Despite several rounds of economic stimuli not having the desired effect and the consumption of steel remaining at record lows, China is on the way to importing record volumes of iron ore this month. […]
Renewables MMI: China’s October 1st Critical Minerals Restrictions Sends Vibrations Through Renewables Industry
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) slowed down its upward price action and moved sideways, edging down by 0.12%. China Critical Minerals Restrictions Now in Full Effect On October 1, 2024, China imposed significant restrictions on the export of critical minerals, sending ripples through global markets. These minerals, including elements like gallium, germanium, and graphite, […]
China’s Economic Struggles: Why Cutting Rates Isn’t Enough to Boost Steel Demand
No matter the type or amount of stimuli put in by the Chinese Government, the country’s economy is just not getting back into revival mode. Meanwhile, China’s beleaguered steel industry continues to suffer. As part of efforts to boost economic growth, China cut down its benchmark lending rates after the apex bank lowered interest rates […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Mills Struggle With Oversupply
Overall, the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 0.75% from September to October. Nickel prices moved sideways with a slight upside bias throughout September. In total, prices rose 1.64% month over month, which offered support to the 304 stainless surcharge. Stainless Entered the Month Heavily Oversupplied The stainless market opened Q4 with little optimism. Reports […]
Rare Earths MMI: China’s Rare Earths Restrictions in Full Effect
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 […]
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 […]