Category: Global Trade

Construction MMI: Falling Chinese Imports Weigh on Construction, Steel Prices

Construction MMI: Falling Chinese Imports Weigh on Construction, Steel Prices products of the plant for the production of metal structures.

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metal Index) rose for the first time in five months, welcoming a 3.97% increase. However, this rise could prove deceiving as the index still faces numerous bearish sentiments. Bar fuel surcharges rising helped the index rise month-over-month, along with did aluminum bar prices. Steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, on the […]

Rare Earths MMI: Is China Losing the Rare Earth Magnets Race?

Rare Earths MMI: Is China Losing the Rare Earth Magnets Race? fasssa-1

Seeing its first significant rise in over eight months, the Rare Earths MMI welcomed a boost of 6.84% month-over-month. Indeed, Chinese production of rare earths and rare earth magnets finally appears on the rise. It’s also possible that Chinese stimulus efforts impacted prices month-on-month. Neodymium, for instance, began a rally in mid-August before slowing down […]

China’s Relentless Pursuit of Lithium Battery Materials: A Growing Powerhouse

China’s Relentless Pursuit of Lithium Battery Materials: A Growing Powerhouse ewtrewtret

It seems that China’s hunger for lithium remains unsatiated. Indeed, a new S&P Global report highlighted the “red dragon’s” efforts to gobble up critical minerals, including lithium battery elements, from mines across the globe.  The report explained how China’s reach continues to grow in terms of minerals, particularly those critical to products that have major […]

Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes

Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes Industrial Container yard for Logistic Import Export business.

Buyers who depend on imports for semi-finished materials or finished components will undoubtedly cheer the recent fall in freight rates. Indeed, global logistics costs peaked in late 2022. Now, buyers will soon see relief from the historic highs of the COVID-induced ocean freight-feeding frenzy. Indeed, few will shed a tear to learn that many shipping […]

Is China’s Undeniable Slowdown Leading It and Metal Prices into Deflation?

Is China’s Undeniable Slowdown Leading It and Metal Prices into Deflation? Screenshot 2023-08-25 at 3.51.44 PM

Many speculate that China’s slowdown will not only undermine metal prices but also put China at risk of experiencing a Japan-style decade of deflation. A recent Financial Times article suggests that China has tried various measures to stimulate economic growth. Examples include cutting lending rates, mortgage rates, business taxes, stock-trading fees, and admission costs at […]

Shake Up for Aluminum Prices? China’s Surge into Indonesia Sparks Market Shifts

Shake Up for Aluminum Prices? China’s Surge into Indonesia Sparks Market Shifts Deforestation: Excavators destroy rainforest to make way for oil

It’s called the “nickel model,” and China hopes to duplicate it for its aluminum industry. Indeed, after more than 20 years of fast growth, China’s aluminum sector recently reached its domestic capacity limit. The government imposed this ceiling on new smelter construction to cut down on pollution and energy consumption. Now, the policy spur significant […]

U.S. Slaps 122.5% Tariff on Chinese Tin Plate Steel, Sparks Accusations of Unfair Play

U.S. Slaps 122.5% Tariff on Chinese Tin Plate Steel, Sparks Accusations of Unfair Play Screenshot-2023-08-22-at-5.14.24-PM

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently decided to enforce preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of tin mill and tin plate steel from China at a duty rate of 122.5%. As this is the highest preliminary rate, the move provoked severe criticism from trade analysts and experts across China.  This tariff also applies to China’s leading […]

U.S. and Mongolia Forge Pact to Extract Rare Earths

U.S. and Mongolia Forge Pact to Extract Rare Earths Mongolia

At a meeting several days ago, officials from the U.S. and Mongolia discussed devising innovative approaches to ensure the smooth entry of essential minerals from the landlocked Mongolian nation into the global market, namely for materials for rare earth magnets. Following his meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene […]

Construction MMI: Chinese Manufacturing Still Slumping, Impacting U.S. Construction

Construction MMI: Chinese Manufacturing Still Slumping, Impacting U.S. Construction excavator in construction site on sunset sky background

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continues to experience pressure from both sides amid conflicting global construction news. For instance, U.S. scrap steel prices recently dropped due to more vehicles being manufactured (car manufacturing always produces ample scrap). However, Chinese steel product prices went up at the same time. Ultimately, metal markets witnessed more movement […]

Aluminum MMI: LME Aluminum Prices Rise As Midwest Premium Falls

Aluminum MMI: LME Aluminum Prices Rise As Midwest Premium Falls dsadsadsa

Although aluminum prices started to rebound in the short term, they have yet to breach ranges that would signal the beginning of a new trend. Indeed, prices continue to create an uncertain environment for the aluminum market due to the lack of direction.  Overall, the Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, rising a modest […]

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