It’s no secret that China believes in the concentration of power. However, that philosophy extends far beyond governance. It also dramatically affects the way the country does business. For instance, earlier this week, we saw the inauguration of the state-owned and centrally administered China Mineral Resources Group. Many mining companies perceive the move as China […]
Category: Supply & Demand
Tesla Shows Why Procurement Needs To Keep An Eye On Cash Flow
Recently, the MetalMiner team shared a laugh over BMW’s announcement that it would introduce a “subscription service” in certain markets for the use of their cars’ heated seats. While some of us remain avid BMW aficionados, whether or not customers will pay for the right to warm their seat remains unclear. This brings us cash […]
Significant Decline in LME Stock Levels Brings Commodity Markets into the Spotlight
MetalMiner follows the LME (London Metal Exchange) very closely, as it remains the largest commodities exchange for base metal options and futures. Recently, we mentioned how the LME had quietly withdrawn its precious metals contracts due to low liquidity. However, that’s only part of the story when it comes to dwindling LME stock. Both LME […]
Do Aluminum Smelter Shutdowns Impact Physical Delivery Premiums?
Soaring power costs in Europe wrecked havoc on the aluminum industry. In fact, several aluminum smelter sites have partially or temporarily shuttered this year. As most people know, power costs surged starting last year due to increasing oil and natural gas prices. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine turbo-charged this escalation. With Ukraine being a key […]
China Steel Mills Hurting, Iron Ore Prices Reeling
2022 has been a roller coaster ride for iron ore prices, which dipped yet again on Monday. Of course, demand from Chinese steel remains the top reason for either a rise or downturn in prices. This week, as it turns out, was no different. In fact, prices tumbled immediately after analysts explained their “bleak outlook” […]
Plate and HRC Steel Production Strained as Factories Shut Down
Metinvest, the Ukrainian steel production and mining group, recently began the process of restarting several of their Italian flats rolling mills. The factories had been offline for scheduled maintenance throughout May. And with global supplies strained, both Metinvest and the market are welcoming the much-needed additional steel production. Metinvest’s plate and hot rolled coil mill […]
Rare Earths MMI – US Breaking Away From Chinese Rare Earth Elements Supply
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) declined more sharply in July than in June. Compared to last month’s drop of 0.64%, July’s Rare Earths index dropped a total of 3.80%. Meanwhile, both the US and Europe are frantically searching for new sources of rare earth elements. Online Influence Group Causes Rare Earth Elements Uproar […]
Vladimir Potanin Sanctioned by the UK and Nickel Price Impact
The UK government has added Vladimir Potanin, Norilsk Nickel’s president and chairman of the management board, to its list of sanctioned individuals. The LME nickel price remains in question. A June 29 update notification from HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) noted Potanin’s addition. The stated reason was that he would benefit from […]
International Commodities Market Fluctuates, Global Slowdown Impending
Mexico’s steel metal market recently saw a slowdown on metal prices, leading experts to believe that Mexico’s industrial metal market may soon turn bearish. Flat steel prices, along with long steel prices, have been dropping over the past several weeks. In fact, Mexico’s steel prices have been in steady decline since April. However, in mid-May, […]
Solar Panel Tariffs on China Halted, Causing Astonishment
For US President Joe Biden, it’s a Hobson’s choice on Chinese solar panel imports. His new move to pause tariffs on imported Chinese-made silicone solar panels for two years has been either hailed or criticized. The announcement came in the middle of an on-going investigation by the US Commerce Department. Possible trade agreement violations are […]
