The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways with an upward bias. Overall, the index rose 1.16% from February to March, supported by modest increases in global aluminum prices. Midwest Premium Futures Stall after Aluminum Tariffs The aluminum market has started to settle following a sharp uptrend in U.S. premiums that began late last year. […]
Category: Global Trade
Raw Steels MMI: When Will Steel Prices Peak?
Rising steel prices saw the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) jump by 5.59% from February to March. Steel Prices Surge on Tariff News As of mid-March, steel prices remained decidedly bullish and in search of a new peak as U.S. tariffs set the market on fire. Hot rolled coil prices hit their highest level […]
China Slams the Brakes on Steel: What This Means for Global Markets
It was an intervention that was the subject of rumors, and now it’s coming true. China, the world’s largest steelmaker and consumer, recently announced it would be “restructuring” its steel industry through cuts in crude steel output, a move many analysts and experts call China “protecting its own turf.” Stay up to date on changes […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Up on 25% Tariff Threat
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held sideways, although the upside bias continued to accelerate. Supported by a rise among most of its components, the index increased 2.8% from January to February. 25% Tariff Threat Boosts Comex Copper Price Comex copper prices remained decidedly bullish, jumping even higher on the suggestion that a 25% copper […]
Automotive MMI: Hot-Dipped Galvanized Prices Spike Amongst New Tariffs
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) increased by 4.47% month over month. The primary culprit for the bullish sentiment was hot-dipped galvanized prices rising due to tariff anticipation from the automotive industry. U.S. Automotive Industry Faces Rising Costs and Trade Challenges The U.S. automotive sector is grappling with economic pressures that could alter its operational […]
Rare Earths MMI: Oval Office Blowout: Will the Ukrainian Rare Earths Deal Still Happen?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a spike in price action month-over-month, rising by 7.4%. The recent tariffs on China, the top global supplier of rare earths, caused a short-term upward trend for many of the elements in the index. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s mineral reserves have attracted considerable international attention, particularly from President Trump. […]
Worried About Trump Tariffs? Here’s Our Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
In February 2025, President Trump reinstated and expanded the Section 232 tariffs on all steel (including stainless steel products) and aluminum imports, setting a flat 25% duty effective March 12, 2025 (what’s known as the “Trump Tariffs”). This renewed policy removes all previously negotiated country-specific exemptions and broadens the tariff’s scope to include a diverse […]
War, Politics and Minerals: How Ukraine’s Rare Earths Became a Global Battleground
Today’s global rare earths supply chain is lopsided, with only a few nations, helmed by China, firmly in control of production and processing. Now, rapidly unfolding developments involving the United States, Ukraine and Russia could introduce a new dimension to this otherwise highly imbalanced supply chain. Subscribe to MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter and conquer metal market […]
AWMI Chicago 2025 Market Outlook Host Nucor Market Intelligence Manager
The Chicago chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) hosted its January event featuring a market outlook presentation from Ping Liang, the Market Intelligence Manager at Nucor. Liang discussed Nucor’s 2025 steel market outlook, highlighting both the strength of the U.S. economy in years past and a forecast of what is to […]
Are Trump’s Tariffs Causing a Global Metal Market Earthquake?
The so-called “Trump Tariffs” have shaken things up for metal traders worldwide. At least three countries in the Asia Pacific region will see significant impacts from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff imposition on steel and aluminum. In addition to increasing the rate to 25% from the previous 10%, President Trump also removed exemptions and […]
