The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, supported by modest increases among most of its components. The index rose by a modest 0.56% from February to March. Meanwhile, nickel prices continued their uptrend. Outokumpu Reduces Stainless Steel Discounts Outokumpu closed out February announcing reductions to a number of stainless steel discounts. Beginning March 1, […]
Category: Inventory Stock Levels
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 […]
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. […]
China Puts the Brakes on Copper Smelters. Will It Ease the Industry’s Supply Strain?
Throughout 2024, China worked to control its rapidly growing copper smelters, which were lowering profit margins amid a bustling copper market. In response, China has released new, more stringent regulations for the construction of new copper smelters. The move aims to keep excess capacity in check. However, it’s a slowdown rather than a complete halt […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: How Long Will the Gold Bull Train Last?
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a significant rise month-over-month, shooting up 7.36%. The past month proved a whirlwind for the precious metal prices, with each metal reacting to shifting economic conditions and recent policy changes. Palladium: Market Uncertainty Takes Center Stage Palladium experienced a particularly volatile month. Prices initially climbed in […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stable, Premiums Bullish Amid Tariff Threats
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) continued to move sideways, with a modest 1.11% rise from January to February. In the face ongoing tariff threats, LME aluminum prices remained consolidated while the Midwest Premium surged. Tariffs Add Chaos to the Aluminum Market Since President Trump’s term started, the aluminum market has been squarely in the […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Market Remains Slow Despite Tariffs
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, but continued to slide. Overall, the index fell by 0.72% from January to February as nickel prices remained consolidated. Bearish Conditions Continue to Haunt 304 Stainless The chaos of tariffs was seemingly lost on large portions of the stainless steel market. For many, the return of a […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Up as Comex Premium Advances
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held sideways, although the upside bias appeared to accelerate. In total, the index rose 1.64% from January to February, supported by rising U.S. copper prices. Keep up with the latest tariff news impacting copper prices. Subscribe to MetalMiner’s free weekly newsletter. Copper Prices Bullish as Exchange Delta Grows Traders […]
Trade War Starts Between World’s Two Leading Economies
The so-called “Trump Tariffs” imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump caused uncertainty in the global metals market earlier in the week. Though he did pause imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada for one month, there could still me plenty more chaos down the road. The current tariffs include a 25% levy on goods […]
Rare Earths MMI: 10% Chinese Tariff – How Much Will it Impact Rare Earths?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held sideways from January to February, moving up a slight 2.88%. Rare earths prices have proven more volatile in the past year than other metal products like steel. Now, it seems the rare earth market could witness more volatility in 2025. President Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff […]