Crude steel production at Evraz’s North American assets dropped 15.1% year over year in 2020. The drop was due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the global economy, the Russian group noted. Evraz output in North America drops Production for the 12 months totaled 1.58 million metric tons from slightly over 1.86 million tons […]
Category: Metal Prices
Construction MMI: Biden infrastructure plans likely to offer support to metals prices
The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) picked up by 4.4% this month, as December construction spending rose and the Biden infrastructure plan could serve as a major support beam for metals prices. Biden’s infrastructure plans Despite the typically bipartisan support — at least in word — infrastructure spending typically garners, a major infrastructure bill never […]
West Europe HRC under pressure on higher availability, Lunar New Year
Prices for hot rolled coil in Western Europe appear to be moving away from increases seen in late 2020, as steelmakers there and in Central Europe restart their own crude production and the Lunar New Year in China approaches, market sources told MetalMiner. “It looks they are more decreasing, rather than rising,” one trader said. […]
Metals prices in 2021 likely to plot more stable course
When discussion of metals markets — indeed, any markets — considers likely price trends, it nearly always starts off looking in the rear-view mirror. Last year’s copper market suggests a bull market driven by vociferous Chinese demand. Imports surged after China relaxed its spring lockdown. Prices rose strongly, up some 48% on the LME from […]
This Morning in Metals: US mines produced $82.3 billion in minerals last year
This morning in metals news: US mines produced approximately $82.3 billion in minerals in 2020; meanwhile, the United States International Trade Commission launched a Section 337 investigation related to batteries; and, lastly, aluminum prices have been dropping. US mines produced $82.3 billion in minerals in 2020 US mines produced approximately $82.3 billion in minerals last […]
This Morning in Metals: February 2021 Monthly Metal Outlook is out
This morning in metals news: the February 2021 MetalMiner Monthly Metal Outlook (MMO) report is out; the US steel sector’s capacity utilization rate reached 76.1%; and US industrial production rose in December. February 2021 Monthly Metal Outlook report available The February 20201 MetalMiner Monthly Metal Outlook (MMO) is now available. Readers will find news, analysis […]
Bullish China stainless steel market expected to continue in 2021
Stainless steel prices in Asia have plateaued for now. But most suggest this is a temporary slowdown in advance of the Chinese New Year holidays. Thereafter, the market is likely to continue its relentless rise of the last two years. China stainless steel market ramps up output According to ArgusMedia, China’s production, imports and consumption […]
This Morning in Metals: Copper price slips to one-month low
This morning in metals news: the copper price fell to its lowest level in a month; US housing starts ticked up 5.8% in December; and China’s industrial profits rose 4.1% in 2020. Copper price dips to one-month low After surging in the second half of 2020, the copper price has slumped thus far in 2021. […]
Week in Review: General Motors shoots for carbon neutrality by 2040; copper price cools; December US steel imports rise
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner. In sustainability news, Big 3 automaker General Motors said it intends to be carbon neutral in its operations by 2040. The automaker has also indicated it will offer 30 new all-electric models […]
China’s property market is a driver — and risk — for steel prices
Just about every review of growth in China — of steel prices or of iron ore demand — contains reference to China’s property market. Few countries in the world have a property sector that plays such a large and dynamic role in the country’s GDP. Furthermore, few have one that causes such concern among a […]