The UK Trade Remedies Authority announced on Friday, May 20, that new measures should be put in place to “protect the UK’s aluminum extrusion industry” from dumped Chinese products.” The surprise move comes after an 11-month investigation into inconsistencies with aluminum bar imports. The TRA made the recommendation to the organization’s current Secretary of State […]
Tag: China
Steel: To Tax or Not to (carbon) Tax
Global public opinion seems divided on whether or not to impose a “carbon tax” on the metal and mining sector. This goes double for steel. Depending on which side you’re listening to at a given moment, you’ll get very different opinions on the matter. Many economists, environmentalists, and the general public welcome the idea. The […]
European Gas Impact on Steel Prices
Steel prices and gas are the primary topics of conversation today. It seems that steel traders in China are seeking more buyers abroad for their finished steel products. Meanwhile, Russia is mulling cutting gas supplies to the EU. Gas prices have an enormous impact on steel prices. China: Lockdowns at Home, Low Demand Abroad The […]
China Demand is Sagging
The bears are back in the metal markets, and one of their prime motivators is this year’s dismal prospects for China. A note in the FT’s Unhedged today explored the country’s “impossible trilemma” of achieving 5.5% GDP growth, reaching a stable debt-to-GDP ratio, and meeting zero-COVID initiatives. When you combine this with the reality that […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Fall As Demand Concerns Mount
The ascent for U.S. steel prices faltered as HRC, CRC, and HDG prices began to fall in early May. Plate prices also took a big dip. All in all, the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 8.9% from April to May. Know what to do when the market shifts. Related article: The […]
Tin Price Forecast Signals Continued Short Supply
Despite a strong rebound in output, the tin market is still dangerously short on supply. How will this affect the tin price forecast? Experts are rushing to weigh in. According to Reuters, the International Tin Association (ITA) reported that global refined tin production increased by 11% to 378,400 metric tons last year. But while output […]
Aluminum MMI: Global Aluminum Prices Drop Alongside Other Base Metals
From a technical perspective, global aluminum prices began to change structure in short time frames, which could suggest further price drops. Currently, prices are beginning to approach previously-established lows. However, a bullish trend reversal can’t occur until aluminum establishes a clear price floor. Source: MetalMiner Insights The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 8.84% […]
Stainless Steel MMI: Stainless Prices Holding Strong
The Stainless Steel MMI indicates that prices are holding fast. This, as cold-rolled stainless imports to the U.S. have averaged above 40,000 MT per month for several straight months. Meanwhile, U.S. flat-rolled stainless producers have run at full capacity for over a year now. Still, they continue to place premiums on products they simply don’t […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Fall with Chinese Lockdowns
Starting in late April, copper prices began to take out prior lows. It seemed like an attempt to find a bottom and reestablish a potential bullish reversal in the short term. The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 3.04% month over month. Know what to do when the trend shifts. Related article: The Art […]
Rare Earth Elements About to Get Even Rarer
There’s something afoot on the rare earths front in China. Specifically, the country recently decided that it wants to tighten its export control laws. The regulation passed about two years ago to stop importing countries from diverting “Chinese products for non-intended use.” In most cases, the “products” refer to rare earth elements, of which China […]
