The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed a significant rise in price action month-over-month, with a total increase of 7.67%. So far, the global rare earths market has been on a springtime rollercoaster. Between April 1 and May 2, 2025, prices for these critical elements saw abrupt swings, supply chains were tested by geopolitics […]
Category: Imports
Why Are Russian Pig Iron Imports to Europe Skyrocketing?
Over three years into its invasion of Ukraine, and despite the subsequent sanctions, Russian producers continue to generate significant revenues from exports. This is especially true of metals and minerals, including pig iron and semi-finished steel products, which Russia continues to supply to the European Union. Russian Pig Iron Imports Surged in January In 2024, […]
U.S. Aluminum vs. European Aluminum: A Comprehensive Short-Term Market Outlook
A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trump’s aluminum tariffs is how differently it’s playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some […]
Aluminum Delivery Premiums Spiking After Tariffs, are Aluminum Freight Bottlenecks Coming?
In the past month, the cost of importing aluminum into the United States has risen sharply. This occurred as aluminum market delivery premiums, the added charges above the base metal price for physical shipments, came close to record highs. This surge in costs stems primarily from a combination of fresh U.S. tariffs, global shipping delays, […]
Auto Shock: Trump’s 25% Tariff Sends Europe Reeling
The “Trump Tariffs” continue to shock global markets, affecting multiple major sectors. Recently, European auto manufacturing ombudsmen reacted with alarm to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% import tariff on auto imports into the United States. EU Auto Leaders React to Trump Tariffs Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, […]
Is China Using Rare Earths as Its Most Powerful Trade Weapon Yet?
China is once again weaponizing rare earths elements in the tariff war with the United States. According to media reports, China recently suspended the export of certain rare earth minerals, ostensibly while re-drafting the regulations covering such exports. MetalMiner’s weekly newsletter states that if the issue is not resolved soon, both the halt in rare […]
Automotive MMI: New 25% Automotive Tariffs in Effect, How is the Market Responding?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose by 4.33% month-over-month. With the 25% Trump tariffs now in effect, the market could be in for a bumpy ride. New Wave of Trump Tariffs Hit The Trump Administration implemented two sweeping trade actions, collectively known as the “Trump Tariffs,” that are reverberating across U.S. industries. First came […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earths Market Rattled by Myanmar Earthquake and Tariffs
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, edging up by a slight 1.82%. The global rare earth market has taken a significant hit lately, thanks to a combination of natural disasters and big geopolitical moves. A strong earthquake in Myanmar and the recent wave of U.S. tariffs have thrown this somewhat delicate industry […]
Chinese Agency Admits Rare Earth Rule May End, Will the U.S. Seize the Throne?
A rare earth metals report by none other than a state-backed research institute is not only likely to unsettle the Chinese authorities, it has also come as a bolt out of the blue for the rest of the world. A report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences released a few days ago said China’s dominance […]
Buckle Up, Shippers: U.S. Eyes Up to $1.5M Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
Importers and consumers of products containing imported components should stay alert regarding the latest logistics news, as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) plans to hold a public hearing on March 24, 2025, regarding proposed Section 301 port call fees. If implemented, this measure could reshape global shipping dynamics and have far-reaching consequences for international […]
