Category: Metal Prices

Rare Earths MMI: Prices Stabilize, but Supply Chains Still Disrupted by China’s New RE Restrictions

Rare Earths MMI: Prices Stabilize, but Supply Chains Still Disrupted by China’s New RE Restrictions rare earths

The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) found more price stability month-over-month. As a result, it moved sideways, with only a 0.81% increase. Despite this, the short-term outlook for rare earths remains uncertain. Chinese export restrictions jolted prices in H1 of 2025 and fractured long-running supply lines. Shortly after, global automakers warned that Beijing’s April […]

If the Goal Isn’t Price Stability, Then What Are These New 50% Tariffs Really About?

If the Goal Isn’t Price Stability, Then What Are These New 50% Tariffs Really About? AdobeStock 1162519972 scaled e1748972324515

During a rally at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant near Pittsburgh last Friday, U.S. President Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%. These new “Trump Tariffs” are set to take effect on June 4, 2025, and will not only apply to primary and semi-finished steel and […]

Copper Market Outlook, H2 2025: Why Are Inventories Still So Uneven?

Copper Market Outlook, H2 2025: Why Are Inventories Still So Uneven? AdobeStock 482591464 scaled e1748620240250

The copper market outlook for the second half of 2025 has seen significant debate in recent weeks. On the supply side of the equation, new production is coming online. However, this may not happen fast enough to flood the market. According to mining.com, the ICSG projects global mined copper output will rise about 2.3% in […]

Price of Copper Braces for H2 2025: Are Demand Jitters on the Way?

Price of Copper Braces for H2 2025: Are Demand Jitters on the Way? copper wire

Copper prices are entering the second half of 2025 on a knife’s edge. After a roller-coaster first half that included soaring to record highs in March only to plunge weeks later, the outlook for the price of copper remains clouded by dueling forces. On the one hand, robust long-term demand drivers like electrification and EVs […]

Volatility’s Back, and It’s Wreaking Havoc on Metal Sourcing Strategies

Volatility’s Back, and It’s Wreaking Havoc on Metal Sourcing Strategies Trump Tariffs 2025

Speculators may love volatility, but metal buyers hate it. As for Trump Tariffs 2025, the jury is still out. The truth is that a bout of unexpected turbulence like we’ve seen over the last couple of months can knock even the best-laid strategies sideways. The reasons are clear: markets nosedived in March and hit bottom […]

Copper MMI: Copper Prices Volatile on Tariff Shifts

Copper MMI: Copper Prices Volatile on Tariff Shifts copper prices

The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) retraced to the downside with a 4.23% decline from March to April. Looking at copper prices today, analysts seem to be struggling with ongoing trade policy shifts.   Copper Prices Zigzag Amid Uncertain Trade Policy Comex copper prices have experienced wild swings over the past few months. First, they […]

Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Steals the Show Again with Brand New Record Highs

Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Steals the Show Again with Brand New Record Highs Gold

The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose month-over-month. Overall, the index saw a price increase of 5.11% as precious metals prices fluctuated and gold prices hit new record highs again. Palladium Remains Lackluster Palladium continues to put in an underwhelming performance. Its biggest demand driver, automotive catalytic converters, has softened as U.S. vehicle […]

Renewables MMI: Buyers Stock Up Ahead of 10% Tariff Deadline

Renewables MMI: Buyers Stock Up Ahead of 10% Tariff Deadline Gavel

The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, rising a slight 2.83%. Metals prices, including those for copper, steel, lithium and cobalt, have seen significant swings in recent weeks as U.S. companies scramble to source material before tariffs are imposed. For instance, U.S. copper prices surged in Q1 as buyers raced ahead of potential import […]

Stainless MMI: Stainless Prices Stable Despite Q1 Market Improvements

Stainless MMI: Stainless Prices Stable Despite Q1 Market Improvements Stainless steel flats

Declining nickel prices saw the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) drop from April to May. Overall, the index fell 3.34%. Suppliers Report Better Q1 Performance Domestic stainless suppliers reported improved market conditions in the first quarter. Both mills and service centers saw shipments increase as the barrage of tariff announcements spooked at least a few […]

Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stabilize as Midwest Premium Hold onto Gains

Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stabilize as Midwest Premium Hold onto Gains aluminum prices

The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) appeared increasingly bearish with a 3.08% decline from April to May. What do other metal and commodity market trends mean for aluminum trends? Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Aluminum Prices Stabilize Following Post-Tariff Drop Aluminum prices found an […]

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