We wrote about the copper market and what smelter treatment charges are telling us about mine supply — and, hence, refined metal supply this year. Treatment and refining charges have collapsed. That is a sure sign that refiners are struggling to secure concentrate supply as mines’ recovery, largely due to COVID-19 effects, lags global industrial […]
Category: Metal Prices
Copper price eases, but for how long?
Copper bulls who were betting on continued price rises — or, more importantly, copper consumers worried about escalating copper costs — may be looking at the copper price and wondering what is going on. Prices hit over $9,600 per metric ton in late February but have since fallen back. Although experiencing volatility, the copper price […]
Week in Review: Steel prices; US electricity consumption; rising aluminum premiums
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including coverage of steel prices, US electricity consumption and much more: Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, analysis and more. Week of April 12-16 (steel prices, electricity […]
Raw Steels MMI: US steel prices keep rising but pace of gains begins to slow
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 7.8% for this month’s reading, as steel prices continued to rise. Are you prepared for your annual steel contract negotiations? Be sure to check out our five best practices. Steel price gains slow As we’ve chronicled in this monthly column, steel prices have been rising consistently since […]
Aluminum MMI: Buyers see tight supply, rising physical delivery premiums
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) ticked up 2.0% for this month’s reading, as aluminum premiums remain elevated. Does your company have an aluminum buying strategy based on current aluminum price trends? Rising physical delivery aluminum premiums For aluminum buyers vying for material, they’re finding physical delivery premiums are elevated. In fact, rising premiums are […]
Copper MMI: Copper price stabilizes in March
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 2.8% for this month’s reading. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, analysis and more. Copper stabilizes after late February, early March drop The LME three-month copper price surged to a peak of $9,560 in late February. However, like nickel, the red metal cooled […]
Stainless MMI: Strike continues at ATI; nickel price plunges then stabilizes
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 10.4% for this month’s reading, as the ATI strike continues into its third week. Do you know the five best practices of sourcing metals, including stainless steel? ATI strike continues The United Steelworkers union’s strike at nine Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI) facilities continues into its third week […]
Green steel on its way to an auto or other consumer product near you
Whether we agree with the rationale or not, the carbon footprint of everyday materials like steel and aluminum is becoming an increasingly important component of consumers’ purchasing decisions. In the US, some states — like California — have mandated purchasing departments for state projects to report the carbon footprint or CO2 content of the products […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Electricity consumption set to bounce back up in 2021
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dipped by 1.3% for this month’s reading, as the Energy Information Administration forecasts a jump in US electricity consumption this year. (Editor’s note: This report also includes the MMI for grain-oriented electrical steel, or GOES.) The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help […]
Week in Review: US steel capacity utilization; European steel; copper market shift
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner: The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help buyers stay on top of metals markets and buying strategies. Week in Review, April 5-9 (steel capacity utilization, […]