The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) trended sideways with a slightly downward movement of 2.59%. Numerous factors remain at play within the global rare earths market. One of the most significant factors rare earths buyers need to remain aware of is the ongoing conflict within Myanmar, one of the world’s key rare earth suppliers, […]
Category: Supply & Demand
Coking Coal’s Rollercoaster Ride: What 2024 Taught Us About Steelmaking’s Essential Ingredient
The story of coking coal in 2024, especially its price in global markets, has mainly been “one step forward and one step back.” A raw material essential for steel production, coking coal prices have been under pressure in the last half of 2024 due to sluggish growth in global steel output. Like other raw materials, […]
China’s Export Tax Rebate Shock: The Aluminum Market Faces a New Reality
A much-reported but little-understood development in the aluminum market this month has the potential to significantly alter the supply chain landscape for aluminum semi-finished metals in the year ahead. Beyond that, it could have serious repercussions for the price of aluminum around the globe. As my colleague Nichole already reported, China’s Ministry of Finance canceled […]
Global Markets Brace for Aluminum Bull Run Amid Supply Crunch
Global bauxite and aluminum prices have surged to a five-month high this month, driven by economic growth, growing supply concerns, a dip in the value of the U.S. dollar and the “China factor.” Currently, analysts predict that prices could rise further from current levels. Aluminum prices are currently about 18% higher year-on-year. Even aluminum futures […]
Aluminum MMI: End of China Rebates, Alumina Supply Support Aluminum Prices
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) steadied, with a 1.38% rise from October to November. Aluminum prices moved sideways during October. While they only managed a 0.99% rise, aluminum still managed to outperform other base metals during the month. However, prices started to slip by mid-November as they echoed the increasingly bearish trend emerging in […]
Ukraine’s Iron Comeback: 96% Export Surge in a War-Torn Economy
Ukraine regained some of its mojo since war broke out with Russia almost two years ago, at least as iron ore is concerned. In fact, it is possible this will have significant repercussions for iron ore prices. According to media reports quoting official data from the State Customs Service, Ukraine has exported almost 28 million […]
Myanmar’s Rare Earth Mines Seized by Rebels, Setting Stage for Global Price Spikes
“People are running around the world looking for rare earth elements.” This one sentence in the South China Morning Post, quoting James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, sums up the current rare earths situation well. Chin’s comment is even more true following the recent supply disruptions in Myanmar, which caused […]
Rare Earths MMI: Market Unstable With Multiple Supply Chain Disruptions. Are the Bulls Coming?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw its upward price action slow as prices experienced only a slight uptick of 0.38%. While upward price action for rare earths did lose steam month-over-month, prices could soon witness another bullish boost. Not only did China’s rare earth export ban go into effect as of October 1, […]
Europe’s Steel Price Surge: Will Buyers Bite?
Steelmakers in Western Europe are trying to push through increases for their hot rolled coil, though sources noted that it was hard to determine where steel prices were at present. Reports indicate that mills are now seeking about €600 ($650) EXW per metric ton, reflecting an increase from deals that were as low as €520-530 […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Once Again Hits Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to make gains this past month, rising by 5.07%. Gold once again reached unprecedented highs, hitting $2,697 per ounce in October due to safe-haven demand spurred by economic concerns and U.S. election uncertainty. Other precious metals prices, like silver, also saw gains. Meanwhile, platinum began to […]
