Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including coverage of the semiconductor shortage, the Midwest Premium and more. A fire at a Japanese chip-making plant last week has slammed automotive operations. General Motors, Ford and many other automakers have […]
Category: Supply & Demand
MetalMiner Webinar: Bull market buying and preparing for when prices come back down
Industrial metal buying organizations are in a difficult spot these days, as commodities are entrenched in a bull market. After the initial demand hit that commodities took on at the end of Q1 2020 with the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, materials prices have skyrocketed. Lead times have lengthened and demand for everything from automobiles […]
US steel capacity utilization dips slightly to 77.3%
The US steel sector’s capacity utilization rate has consistently posted gains since a trough last spring at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This past week, however, the capacity utilization rate fell slightly. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – without the sales pitch. Sign up today. Capacity utilization dips to 77.3% […]
Tangshan steel curbs could have ripple effect on steel, iron ore
The recent curbs on steel making by the local government in one of China’s largest steel-producing cities, Tangshan, may have a cascading effect on steel procurement & demand, as well on iron ore supplies, some experts believe. The Tangshan restrictions are in effect from March 20 to Dec. 31, 2021. Among other things, the restrictions […]
US confirms anti-dumping aluminum tariffs on key suppliers
Despite howls of protest from consumers, the Biden administration has doubled down on the Trump administration’s trade barriers with its latest move on aluminum tariffs. The administration recently slapped semi-finished flat rolled aluminium anti-dumping duties on 18 countries supplying the US market. Aluminum tariffs Previous administrations’ focus on China — first on extrusions in 2011 […]
Stainless MMI: Nickel price drops on Tsingshan supply news
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 4.3% for this month’s reading, as news of a supply deal by China’s Tsingshan Holding Group helped push the nickel price downward. Sick of not finding good price indexes for stainless steel? Check out the MetalMiner stainless steel should-cost model — detailed price-per-pound info for grade, form, […]
Week in Review: Steel capacity; February US auto sales; OPEC meets
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and some of the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, which this week includes coverage of steel capacity utilization, the latest OPEC ministerial meeting and much more. Overall, most base metals seem to be retracing from a late February peak. […]
This Morning in Metals: OPEC ministers agree to maintain March output levels into April
This morning in metals news: ministers of oil-producing countries agreed this week to by and large maintain March output levels in April; Texas and Florida posted gains in small-scale solar capacity last year; and China’s steel imports surged in 2020. The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help buyers […]
What goes up must (eventually) come down — does the old saying apply to nickel prices?
Up to this week, the nickel bull story had been roaring along. Talk of metal shortages and runaway electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid battery demand have supported that story. But one announcement has seen that bull run hit a brick wall. Nickel bull story slows News that China’s Tsingshan Holding Group has signed a one-year […]
Automotive MMI: US auto sales strong in February despite inclement weather
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 7.1% this month, as US auto sales were strong in February. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email updates here. US auto sales Ford Motor Co. reported its February US retail auto sales reached 163,520 vehicles, down 1.8% year over year. Ford […]
