Faced with supply chain shortages, metal squeezes and smelter shutdowns, metal buyers and manufacturers continue to look for supply solutions. Some theorize that recycling and reusing metals could help. However, global construction and metal markets currently need more than the current metal recycling industry can provide. Is there a way that metal manufacturers can achieve […]
Category: Supply & Demand
Global Natural Gas Competition Gets Fierce
Both experts and everyday consumers remain at odds about the current state of the global natural gas market. The main point of contention is whether US prices will drop significantly or rise further. With inflation hitting record highs this past year, nobody can blame consumers for being wary. Most experts agree that gas prices and demand […]
China’s Steel Supply Encounters Significant Hurdles.
Everyone thought a COVID-19 ravaged steel supply market in China took a turn towards recovery. However, many other hurdles now stand in the way, both long & short term. Power cuts and muted demand driven by the construction crisis in China stand in the path of growth. Even worse, the cascading effect has affected the […]
LME Puts a Stop on Russian and Belarusian Nickel Warehousing
The London Metal Exchange (LME) just introduced a ban on nickel with Russian and Belarusian origins. This adds to the long list of Russian sanctions currently imposed by the UK and other NATO nations. The ban will take effect immediately in approved warehouses located within the United Kingdom. This comes not long after the UK […]
Should We Prep for a Zinc Price Rally? Many Say Yes
If you look at zinc price trends from this past year, it’s hard to identify what you might call a “clear trend.” After building from a pandemic-driven low of just $1,960 a ton, the metal skyrocketed to over $4,500 just four months ago. Unfortunately, pride cometh before a fall. And fall zinc did. In fact, […]
The Microchip Craze – Supply Shortages, Sources, Materials and Imports
Microchips, along with their parts and components have become a huge part of modern life. They’re used in computers, machinery, phones and many other electronics and appliances we use on a daily basis. Of course, various metal parts and components are integral to the manufacturing of these microchips. How has the microchip industry been impacted […]
UK Hopes to Get Ahead of Rare Earths Supply Problem
By: Sohrab Darabshaw Rare earths have seen a surge in demand all around the world. After all, these minerals are key components of everything from solar panels to electric car batteries to defense equipment. And with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupting much of the supply chain, the need for rare earths has become even more […]
Russia, Ukraine, and the “New Normal” of Global Steel Supply
Steel prices have waxed and waned more than usual this past year. MetalMiner has reported extensively on all of the various factors contributing to this unpredictability. Of course, you can’t ignore China’s rolling COVID lockdowns or the year-long supply chain hangups. However, we feel one of the biggest X factors for the global steel supply […]
China Creates New Centralized Company to Tackle Global Iron Ore Market
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 […]
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 […]
