The global steel story for the last month or so has centered around two main players: Russia and Ukraine. Now, the spotlight has shifted (if momentarily) to China and India. As two of the world’s largest steel exporters, what these countries have to say could greatly impact the global steel production forecast. A Tale of […]
Category: Uncategorized
Buying Strategies in Falling Aluminum and Steel Price Markets
Recent key shifts in macroeconomic indicators could significantly impact both aluminum and steel prices. Historically, the best way for companies to protect themselves during times of uncertainty is to change buying strategies. Most commodities have traded in a bull market for the past one and a half years. This has allowed companies of all sizes […]
Analyzing Recession Fears for 2022
Recession fears have so far been focused largely on the US. However, a recent note from Capital Economics to their clients predicts that we’re much more likely to see a recession in Europe. Are US Recession Fears Really Valid? Most US economists’ recession fears resulted from last month’s brief inversion in the spread between two-year […]
Steel prices slipping in Europe
Steel prices for hot rolled coil in Europe have started to decline as end users push back from earlier offers. Meanwhile, benchmark iron ore prices in China dropped, due to the country’s zero-Covid policy. One analyst noted that steelmakers in Europe are cutting back their production. “Steel would get a bit of support from production […]
The Aluminum Price Forecast: China is Coming
Don’t worry – this isn’t another “reds-under-the-bed” story. Rather, it’s a look into how Chinese aluminum semis are quickly becoming the market’s main price setting (at least in Europe). With Russia more or less out of the picture and domestic mills booked up for months, China is the only swing producer with capacity to spare. […]
Two Ukraine Steel Mills Set to Restart Production
At least two Ukraine steel manufacturers are ready to restart production amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Sources indicate this is because the areas where the mills are located have seen less impact from the invasion. Global investors greeted the announcement with much fanfare. After all, the renewed export of Ukrainian steel will undoubtedly have […]
Titanium Market Facing Major Supply Constraints
Like other industry insiders, the team here at MetalMiner has paid very close attention to the way international sanctions on Russia are affecting metals markets. When the invasion of Ukraine started, aluminum, zinc, and even steel had been strongly supported. Since early March, those prices have fallen back (as have Russian troops). Despite this, we […]
Is Energy-Intensive Metals Production in Europe Coming to an End?
The extremely high natural gas prices this past winter have left many Europeans reeling. At the time, the increased costs were blamed on a shortage of Russian supplies. Today, many are wondering if the restrictions on gas exports by Russia were intentional. A reminder to Europeans of their vulnerability prior to the invasion of Ukraine, […]
Recession Fears: Could the Fed Risk Too Much Too Fast?
Of late, all talk related to the US economy seems focused on inflation. And while the Fed has continually issued statements regarding interest rates, the organization seems split on how to proceed. Moreover, concerns are rising that too much intervention too soon could actually push the economy into a recession next year. In the meantime, […]
Hindalco Looks to Bolster Global Aluminum Resources
India’s Hindalco Industries Ltd. (a major aluminum and copper producer) recently earmarked CAPEX totaling US $7.2 billion. According to recent news reports, Hindalco management is seeking to expand the company’s aluminum production over the next five years. This includes commitments to boost aluminum resources in both North America and Germany. In a recent presentation to […]
