Australia may well emerge as one of the few non-China sources for the supply of gallium metal, a valuable mineral used in electronics, LEDs and semiconductors. In a move toward critical mineral diversification, Alcoa of Australia recently reported that it had signed a Joint Development Agreement with Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd (JAGA) to […]
Category: Non-ferrous Metals
Copper Tariff U-Turn Sends Both Relief, and Shockwaves Through U.S. Supply Chains
In an 11th-hour reversal, the White House has exempted refined copper products, including cathodes, scrap and concentrates, from a looming 50% import tariff. Effective August 1, 2025, copper tariffs will only apply to semi-finished copper goods The surprise exemption caught metal markets off guard and sent U.S. copper prices into freefall. COMEX copper futures plunged […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metals Prices Rise as U.S. Buyers Brace for Volatility
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose by 6.18% month-over-month. The past 30 days have seen precious metals prices climb steadily, underscoring a volatile commodities environment for U.S. manufacturers and metal buyers. Gold remains near record highs, while silver, platinum and palladium each enjoyed strong rallies from mid-June to late July. These moves […]
Construction MMI: Tariffs Set to Drive Up Metal Costs as U.S. Construction Still Grapples with High Interest Rates
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) traded flat month-over-month, with no noteworthy price movement in either direction. Meanwhile, the U.S. construction industry is bracing for fallout from a new round of tariffs on key building materials. Industry groups warn that these tariffs, alongside persistently high interest rates, threaten to squeeze project budgets. Missing out on […]
China Doubles Down in Africa for Copper While India Quietly Makes Its Move
Both China and India are now jostling for exploration and mining rights across the African continent. Over the last decade, China has rapidly expanded its presence in Africa’s growing copper market, securing critical mineral supplies to fuel its green energy ambitions. With copper demand surging globally due to the growth of electric vehicles, renewable energy, […]
Aluminum MMI: MW Premium Finds New High
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways with an upside bias. Overall, the index rose 1.99% from June to July as aluminum prices slowed their ascent. Track other MetalMiner monthly indexes here, and compare how the overall industrial metal market is performing. Midwest Premium Returns to the Upside Stabilization proved temporary for aluminum’s Midwest […]
Stainless MMI: Mills Secure Price Increases Despite Weak Demand
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, but the downside bias continued. Overall, the index fell 0.9% from June to July. Meanwhile, nickel prices continued their slow slide downward. Mill Price Hikes Hold June brought in a wave of price hikes from U.S. mills. NAS led the market, issuing possibly its largest ever increase […]
Automotive MMI: Trump’s 50% Copper Tariff Sends Shock Through Auto Supply Chains
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, inching up by 2.29%. While the index has maintained a mostly sideways trend over the past year, short-term volatility may be on the way. President Trump recently announced a 50% tariff on imported copper, a move expected to impact U.S. automotive manufacturing firms that source the red […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Chase All-Time High as 50% Tariff Looms
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways with an upside bias, rising 2.69% from June to July. Comex Copper Prices Nearing All-Time High on 50% Tariff Reports Comex copper prices resumed their uptrend, ending a brief pause witnessed in early June. As of July 7, the price of copper on the exchange stood $266/mt […]
Rare Earths MMI: US–China Trade Deal Eases Rare Earth Export Controls
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, rising a modest 0.66%. Meanwhile, prices for rare earths may experience short-term stabilization in the upcoming months, primarily due to President Trump reaching an agreement with China to ease restrictions on critical mineral exports. Track macroeconomic signals, pricing pressure, and supply shifts before they hit your […]