The Federal Reserve reported October 2020 industrial production rose 1.1%. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, analysis and more. October 2020 industrial production rises Per the Fed, October 2020 industrial production rose but remained 5.6% lower than the pre-pandemic level in February. However, the Fed also noted the industrial production […]
Tag: L1
Problem on the high seas: container markets see skyrocketing rates
The disconnect in recovery between Asia and North America/Europe is having an unprecedented impact on the transpacific and Asia-Europe container markets. The world’s shipping industry had a near-death experience in the early part of the year as China went into lockdown. To its credit and to consumers’ detriment, the industry has since got a grip […]
China recovery drives metals prices, but what of 2021?
Industrial metals have had a good few months in Q3, in part due to a China recovery. It’s not a bull market, of course — we have called it a sideways market. However, it has been a pretty positive sideways market. Copper is up from $2.60/lb at the end of the European lockdowns to $3.20/lb […]
Major RCEP trade deal goes ahead with China — and without the U.S.
We all remember the Obama-era Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) trade deal, right? The trade deal the U.S. withdrew from in early 2017 after President Donald Trump called it a disaster for American workers? Well, Australia, Japan, and nine other countries went ahead with it, lowering tariffs and bolstering trade within the region. But, crucially, TTP did […]
Indian economy devastated by coronavirus pandemic is showing signs of recovery
India came in for considerable criticism over its reaction to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the first wave. Locking down the economy almost overnight and trapping millions of migrant workers from returning home, only to then release them a week or two later to flood out into rural areas and spread the virus, […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Lynas records quarterly jump in neodymium-praseodymium output
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 2.0% for this month’s index value, as Lynas Corporation reported a rise in neodymium-praseodymium output during the most recent quarter. (Editor’s Note: This report also includes coverage of grain-oriented electrical steel, or GOES.) The MetalMiner 2021 Annual Outlook consolidates our 12-month view and provides buying organizations with a […]
Rare Earths MMI: China legislature passes export control law
The Rare Earths Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held flat once again this month. The MetalMiner 2021 Annual Outlook consolidates our 12-month view and provides buying organizations with a complete understanding of the fundamental factors driving prices and a detailed forecast that can be used when sourcing metals for 2021 — including expected average prices, support and […]
China’s steel trade is returning to form as import-export balance recalibrates
We wrote last month how China’s rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the country importing semi-finished products for which it previously had been self-reliant or even a net exporter for the last decade. Some steel products and primary aluminum swung into becoming significant net inflows for the economy during the summer months. But […]
Raw Steel MMI: U.S. steel prices continue uptrend
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 5.4% this month, as U.S. steel prices continued to rise last month. Are you on the hook for communicating the company’s steel performance to the executive team? See what should be in that report! U.S. and Chinese prices relation U.S. steel prices continued to increase in […]
Automotive MMI: New-vehicle retail sales in U.S. forecast to rise for second straight month
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) gained 3.3% for this month’s MMI reading, as October 2020 auto sales made gains on a new-vehicle retail basis. The MetalMiner 2021 Annual Outlook consolidates our 12-month view and provides buying organizations with a complete understanding of the fundamental factors driving prices and a detailed forecast that can be […]
