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. […]
Category: Supply & Demand
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Iron Ore Prices Poised for an Early Comeback in 2025?
Predictions for iron ore prices in 2025 remain mostly mixed, but early signs in the new year indicate an upward trend, at least in Asian markets. According to a report by Reuters, one positive indication was a northward trend of iron ore futures prices on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) last Monday. The DCE’s most-traded […]
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 […]