Category: Sourcing Strategies

Construction MMI: Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton Leave “Path of Destruction” in U.S. Construction Industry

Construction MMI: Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton Leave “Path of Destruction” in U.S. Construction Industry Hurricane

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, nudging up just 2.54%. Overall, the index continues to move in its more than year-long sideways range, with metal prices remaining stagnant. While the index had a slight response to the September interest rate drop, it will take a lot more than that to generate any type […]

Automotive MMI: Dropping Steel Production Likely to Impact Automobile Manufacturers

Automotive MMI: Dropping Steel Production Likely to Impact Automobile Manufacturers automotive manufacturing

The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) reduced its downward price action, moving sideways month-over-month by 0.43%. While the automotive industry dodged a bullet with the east coast port strike only lasting 3-4 days, the industry could still face more pressure due to lower steel output. Thanks to ongoing mill maintenance that began in August, hot-dipped […]

How Black Swan Events Impact Metal Sourcing. What Can Companies Do to Protect Their Bottom Line?

How Black Swan Events Impact Metal Sourcing. What Can Companies Do to Protect Their Bottom Line? Black Swan event.

If you’ve been in the metal procurement game long enough, you’ve likely encountered unanticipated market shocks. These rare occurrences, known as “Black Swan events,” hit hard, leaving devastating consequences in their wake. From global pandemics to geopolitical conflicts, Black Swan events can cripple industrial metal markets, forcing companies to scramble to source critical materials and […]

Renewables MMI: China’s Battery Metals Stockpile, What Does it Mean for U.S. Companies?

Renewables MMI: China’s Battery Metals Stockpile, What Does it Mean for U.S. Companies? batteries and battery metals

The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to plateau, moving sideways with only a slight 1.29% drop. Currently, there isn’t enough bullish or bearish price action to yank the index too far out of its sideways trend. The historically volatile movements of grain-oriented electrical steel prices are currently the only factor adding any significant volatility […]

Unlocking Efficiency: The Art of Metal Price Forecasting

Unlocking Efficiency: The Art of Metal Price Forecasting bears and bulls: metals prices

Metal price forecasting is essential for businesses that buy metal, particularly when dealing with commodities like copper, steel, and aluminum. By precisely projecting future metals prices, companies may make educated judgments regarding their purchasing strategy and ensure that they acquire the metals at the most advantageous periods. Companies that understand the importance of metal price […]

Automotive MMI: Automakers Hit the Brakes on Electric Vehicle Investments

Automotive MMI: Automakers Hit the Brakes on Electric Vehicle Investments Electric Vehicles

Month over month, the Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) failed to break very far outside of its year-long sideways trend. All in all, the index dropped by 4.23% Numerous factors tugged the index down month-over-month, including slowing electric vehicle production. Another pressing matter putting pressure on the automotive market is China implementing further restrictions on […]

Preparing for Annual Contract Negotiations: A Guide for Metal Sourcing Companies

Preparing for Annual Contract Negotiations: A Guide for Metal Sourcing Companies Handshake

Metal sourcing firms must have a thorough awareness of market trends and metal prices to prepare for the approaching yearly contract negotiations in the fall. This involves identifying any swings in metals prices through in-depth investigation and analysis while also comprehending the variables behind these swings. Each week, MetalMiner’s newsletter covers these exact patterns. Sourcing […]

Norsk Hydro Comments on Current Aluminum Market Conditions

Norsk Hydro Comments on Current Aluminum Market Conditions Hydro

Recently, MetalMiner had the pleasure of speaking with Norsk Hydro about aluminum market trends, market insights and the general market outlook for the aluminum industry, especially in the U.S. As the premier green aluminum producer in the United States, Europe-based Norsk Hydro continues to make significant strides in helping to convert the aluminum extrusion market […]

Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Sideways Following Mill Price Reporting

Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Sideways Following Mill Price Reporting steel rolls, steel prices

The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a modest 1.86% decline from April to May. U.S. flat rolled steel prices found a bottom at the close of March and proceeded to move sideways. HRC prices saw a modest increase, but ultimately closed the month at $838 per short ton. Meanwhile, HRC Midwest […]

Rare Earths MMI: Is China Moving Down the Rare Earths Totem Poll?

Rare Earths MMI: Is China Moving Down the Rare Earths Totem Poll? China and rare earth magnets

The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a pretty significant drop month-on-month, falling 24.73%. Save for cerium oxide, all components of the index either fell or moved sideways. Weaker than anticipated downstream demand ended up hitting certain metals related to rare earth magnets particularly hard, causing a plummet in the index. Another significant factor […]

Scroll to Top