Mining multinational Anglo American recently agreed to sell its nickel business to a subsidiary of MMG Resources, which has its main offices in Beijing and Melbourne, for up to $500 million. The move left many industry insiders speculating how it might relate to current nickel prices and how it might affect them. On February 18, […]
Category: Non-ferrous Metals
China Puts the Brakes on Copper Smelters. Will It Ease the Industry’s Supply Strain?
Throughout 2024, China worked to control its rapidly growing copper smelters, which were lowering profit margins amid a bustling copper market. In response, China has released new, more stringent regulations for the construction of new copper smelters. The move aims to keep excess capacity in check. However, it’s a slowdown rather than a complete halt […]
Renewables MMI: What’s Next for Renewables With Recent Policy Changes?
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed its highest rise in over five months, with the renewable resources index increasing by 6.58% month-over-month. This was mostly due to GOES (grain-oriented electrical steel) and neodymium shooting up in price in reaction to recent policy changes. U.S. Policy Shifts Reshape Renewable Energy Market and Metal Prices The […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: How Long Will the Gold Bull Train Last?
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a significant rise month-over-month, shooting up 7.36%. The past month proved a whirlwind for the precious metal prices, with each metal reacting to shifting economic conditions and recent policy changes. Palladium: Market Uncertainty Takes Center Stage Palladium experienced a particularly volatile month. Prices initially climbed in […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Stable, Premiums Bullish Amid Tariff Threats
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) continued to move sideways, with a modest 1.11% rise from January to February. In the face ongoing tariff threats, LME aluminum prices remained consolidated while the Midwest Premium surged. Tariffs Add Chaos to the Aluminum Market Since President Trump’s term started, the aluminum market has been squarely in the […]
Trump’s Tariffs: EU Warns of ‘Firm and Proportionate’ Counterstrike
European bodies recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to introduce tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the country. Meanwhile, experts at home and abroad continue to evaluate how the trade dispute will affect steel prices and aluminum prices. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, recently vowed that it would respond […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless Market Remains Slow Despite Tariffs
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, but continued to slide. Overall, the index fell by 0.72% from January to February as nickel prices remained consolidated. Bearish Conditions Continue to Haunt 304 Stainless The chaos of tariffs was seemingly lost on large portions of the stainless steel market. For many, the return of a […]
Construction MMI: Tariff Talk: What Should the Construction Industry Expect?
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held its sideways trend, budging down a slight 1.35%. Meanwhile, the U.S. construction industry faces a complex landscape shaped by recent policy changes, Trump tariffs and other economic factors. Tariffs and Their Effect on Construction Materials Steel remains a fundamental component of modern construction, playing a crucial role in […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Up as Comex Premium Advances
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held sideways, although the upside bias appeared to accelerate. In total, the index rose 1.64% from January to February, supported by rising U.S. copper prices. Keep up with the latest tariff news impacting copper prices. Subscribe to MetalMiner’s free weekly newsletter. Copper Prices Bullish as Exchange Delta Grows Traders […]
Trade War Starts Between World’s Two Leading Economies
The so-called “Trump Tariffs” imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump caused uncertainty in the global metals market earlier in the week. Though he did pause imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada for one month, there could still me plenty more chaos down the road. The current tariffs include a 25% levy on goods […]