The UK government recently announced an asset freeze on London-headquartered metal and mining group Evraz. Authorities claim that Evraz is receiving benefits or support from the Russian government to conduct business in strategic and economic sectors. True or not, the freeze has broad implications for global steel production. From steel to copper and beyond, it’s […]
Category: Global Trade
Aluminum MMI: Global Aluminum Prices Drop Alongside Other Base Metals
From a technical perspective, global aluminum prices began to change structure in short time frames, which could suggest further price drops. Currently, prices are beginning to approach previously-established lows. However, a bullish trend reversal can’t occur until aluminum establishes a clear price floor. Source: MetalMiner Insights The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 8.84% […]
Rare Earth Elements About to Get Even Rarer
There’s something afoot on the rare earths front in China. Specifically, the country recently decided that it wants to tighten its export control laws. The regulation passed about two years ago to stop importing countries from diverting “Chinese products for non-intended use.” In most cases, the “products” refer to rare earth elements, of which China […]
The Metals Forecast: Are The Bears Back in Town?
Following a strongly inflationary metal environment in Q1, Q2 2022 is looking like a whole different ballgame. Indeed, it’s no secret that the global economy is currently facing a number of major challenges. Alone, none of these would be enough to derail us from last year’s strong rebound. When added together, however, they’re helping to […]
The Future of Steel Supply: The Facts Thus Far
It’s first-year economics: everything comes down to supply and demand. Historically, the push and pull between these two massive market forces are cyclical, and that includes steel. When you have more demand than supply, prices go up. Eventually, the prices get so high that people stop buying. After a while, the steel supply builds up, […]
Steel Production Forecast: China’s Loss is India’s Gain
The global steel story for the last month or so has centered around two main players: Russia and Ukraine. Now, the spotlight has shifted (if momentarily) to China and India. As two of the world’s largest steel exporters, what these countries have to say could greatly impact the global steel production forecast. A Tale of […]
Steel prices slipping in Europe
Steel prices for hot rolled coil in Europe have started to decline as end users push back from earlier offers. Meanwhile, benchmark iron ore prices in China dropped, due to the country’s zero-Covid policy. One analyst noted that steelmakers in Europe are cutting back their production. “Steel would get a bit of support from production […]
The Aluminum Price Forecast: China is Coming
Don’t worry – this isn’t another “reds-under-the-bed” story. Rather, it’s a look into how Chinese aluminum semis are quickly becoming the market’s main price setting (at least in Europe). With Russia more or less out of the picture and domestic mills booked up for months, China is the only swing producer with capacity to spare. […]
Titanium Market Facing Major Supply Constraints
Like other industry insiders, the team here at MetalMiner has paid very close attention to the way international sanctions on Russia are affecting metals markets. When the invasion of Ukraine started, aluminum, zinc, and even steel had been strongly supported. Since early March, those prices have fallen back (as have Russian troops). Despite this, we […]
Is Energy-Intensive Metals Production in Europe Coming to an End?
The extremely high natural gas prices this past winter have left many Europeans reeling. At the time, the increased costs were blamed on a shortage of Russian supplies. Today, many are wondering if the restrictions on gas exports by Russia were intentional. A reminder to Europeans of their vulnerability prior to the invasion of Ukraine, […]