Over the last ten years, industrial metal prices have gone on a wild ride, rising, falling and rising again, thanks to everything from global economic swings to supply chain hiccups and geopolitical drama. If you’re in manufacturing, investing, or policy, keeping tabs on these price trends isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Steel Historical Price Trends […]
Category: Metal Pricing
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Steals the Show Again With New Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, rising a slight 2.69%. Many precious metals prices saw dynamic shifts from February to March. Gold raced toward historic highs amid elevated tariff uncertainty and bets on the U.S. Federal Reserve policy easing. Meanwhile, silver also climbed to multi-month highs on safe-haven demand and […]
Aluminum MMI: How Have Aluminum Tariffs Impacted the Market?
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways with an upward bias. Overall, the index rose 1.16% from February to March, supported by modest increases in global aluminum prices. Midwest Premium Futures Stall after Aluminum Tariffs The aluminum market has started to settle following a sharp uptrend in U.S. premiums that began late last year. […]
Stainless MMI: Outokumpu Cuts Discounts, Nickel Prices Rise
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, […]
Raw Steels MMI: When Will Steel Prices Peak?
Rising steel prices saw the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) jump by 5.59% from February to March. Steel Prices Surge on Tariff News As of mid-March, steel prices remained decidedly bullish and in search of a new peak as U.S. tariffs set the market on fire. Hot rolled coil prices hit their highest level […]
Renewables MMI: Tariffs & Renewable Energy Rollbacks—Trump’s Plan for U.S. Energy
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month over month, increasing a slight 1.86%. Meanwhile, renewable energy projects could face some challenges from a combination of tariffs and changing Federal policies. Trump Administration’s Energy Policies Reshape the Renewable Sector Since taking power in January, the Trump administration has reshaped the U.S. renewable energy landscape […]
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 […]
Automotive MMI: Hot-Dipped Galvanized Prices Spike Amongst New Tariffs
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) increased by 4.47% month over month. The primary culprit for the bullish sentiment was hot-dipped galvanized prices rising due to tariff anticipation from the automotive industry. U.S. Automotive Industry Faces Rising Costs and Trade Challenges The U.S. automotive sector is grappling with economic pressures that could alter its operational […]
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. […]
Worried About Trump Tariffs? Here’s Our Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
In February 2025, President Trump reinstated and expanded the Section 232 tariffs on all steel (including stainless steel products) and aluminum imports, setting a flat 25% duty effective March 12, 2025 (what’s known as the “Trump Tariffs”). This renewed policy removes all previously negotiated country-specific exemptions and broadens the tariff’s scope to include a diverse […]