MetalMiner actively posts on a variety of metals and market developments. However, we prefer to discuss topics that our clients bring to us, especially those that keep buyers awake at night. One such topic that has been recurring over recent months is the anxiety surrounding the LME aluminum quotation. Specifically, there has been a lot […]
Category: Inventory Stock Levels
Power Cuts, Low Rainfall Impact Chinese Aluminum Supply, Drive Import Surge
China has significantly increased its reliance on aluminum imports this year due to lower domestic aluminum supply. According to reports, the move is part of a strategic measure to partially offset the below-average output in domestic production. Indeed, new customs data reveals that China saw a notable 10.7% increase in aluminum imports during the first […]
Are Copper Futures REALLY as Bullish as Some Say?
We’ve all heard the story. “The green energy movement will keep copper up!.” But, realistically, how bullish is the long-term outlook for copper? Here at MetalMiner, we’ve pondered this question quite a bit. Ultimately, we’ve come to the conclusion that the copper futures indeed possess a lot of long-term potential. However, is it possible that […]
Do High Russian Aluminum Volumes Call the LME’s Integrity into Question?
(Editor’s Note: This article has been edited and updated since it’s earlier publication to reflect the LME position on Russian origin materials) It’s no news that the London Metal Exchange (LME) has seen a big rise in Russian aluminum inventories in its warehouses. However, the surge in Russian metal remains a source of concern. After […]
Copper, Priced for Recession
At least that’s what the Financial Times reported Goldman Sachs saying this week with regard to the price of copper. The bank also revised its forecast for the average copper price to $8,698 per metric ton, down from $9,750. According to a NASDAQ post, copper prices touched a six-month low this week as speculators increased short […]
Experts Anticipate Long-Term Volatility in the Lithium Market
Lithium, a crucial component in electric vehicles (EVs), seems to be the metal of the season. Indeed, over the past month, the market has seen loads of fresh developments around lithium pricing. Lithium mining and lithium battery usage have also been effected. Moreover, sector experts anticipate that lithium prices will continue to be volatile over […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Remains a Buyer’s Market Amid Flat Global Demand Projections
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose a modest 0.67% from April to May. Following increased volatility over the last few months, nickel prices began to slow down in terms of sharp breakouts or breakdowns. As a result, the larger sideways trend continued with no clear direction. Does your company have a stainless buying strategy […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Slide as LME Faces Russian Supply Glut
Aluminum prices continued to slowly edge downward, but remained within an overall sideways trend. After prices fell 1.31% throughout April, they dropped an additional 2.22% during the first week of May. But despite the softness, aluminum prices have not yet formed lower lows, so an established downtrend is still not confirmed at this time. Interested […]
Automotive MMI: Vehicle Sales Up, Steel Prices Dropping
April saw a welcome boost in sales within the U.S. automobile market. New vehicle inventories are now in healthy shape. However, interest rates are still high, as are new vehicle prices. Moreover, the Automotive MMI index still has several factors working against it. Steel prices, notable HDG traded not only sideways, but completely flat. In […]
Chile’s Nationalization of the Lithium Industry Could Impact Lithium Prices
In the 1960s, revolutionary and often left-wing populists took control of foreign mining company assets “for the people” through “resource nationalism.” They proceeded to destroy inherent values and even plundered coffers to use for corrupt ends. Some nationalization efforts, like Chile’s, ended in the formation of Codelco, a world-class mining entity. However, far too many others did […]
