Nickel, traditionally largely consumed in the stainless steel industry, is enjoying strong support from its role as a lithium-ion battery enhancing metal. The use of nickel reduces the need for cobalt, significantly battery reducing costs. Not surprisingly car makers are scrambling to lock up supplies as Chinese battery firms get first to market investing in […]
Tag: nickel
This Morning in Metals: Nickel prices consolidate; NAS reduces fuel surcharge; US LNG exports surged in H1 2021
This morning in metals news: nickel prices have consolidated in December; North American Stainless announced a reduction in its fuel surcharge; and, lastly, the Energy Information Administration reported U.S. liquefied natural gas exports reached a record high in the first half of 2021. Are you under pressure to generate stainless steel cost savings? Make sure […]
Tin prices gain momentum as Indonesia mulls tin, copper export bans
Two years ago, Indonesia instituted a ban on nickel ore exports. Now, it is contemplating banning exports of tin and copper ore, too. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email updates here. Indonesia export bans prompt tin price surge Indonesian President Joko Widodo has been announcing from different forums that […]
Stainless MMI: Stainless producers announce base price hikes
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained flat for this month’s reading. Are you under pressure to generate stainless steel cost savings? Make sure you are following these five best practices. Base price and surcharge increase Both NAS and Outokumpu announced price increases effective Sept. 1. Outokumpu increased base prices by reducing the discount by […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization rises to 84.6%
This morning in metals news: the U.S. steel capacity utilization rate rose further to 84.6% last week; miner BHP announced a nickel supply agreement with Tesla; and, lastly, crude oil imports have been on the rise over the last four weeks. The MetalMiner Best Practice Library offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to help […]
Stainless demand drives nickel prices
It is reassuring to see a metal price driven by good old fundamentals. With so much buzz around supercycles and electrification, the impact of the speculative element in pricing has been much in evidence this year for products like copper and oil. But according to a recent Reuters post, solid supply and demand fundamentals are […]
This Morning in Metals: Rio Tinto, Schneider Electric sign MoU aimed at decarbonization
This morning in metals news: Rio Tinto and Schneider Electric have signed a memorandum of understanding to “develop a circular and sustainable market ecosystem for both companies and their customers”; meanwhile, Norilsk Nickel announced it has begun production of carbon-neutral nickel; and, lastly, the city of Savannah, Georgia, is attempting an aluminum cup pilot program. […]
Nickel prices rise but fail to catch up with other base metals market
Nickel prices and, as a result, stainless surcharges, remain in the doldrums this month, recovering only slightly from last month’s sharp sell-off. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, analysis and more. Nickel prices drop in March Nickel’s bull story took a hit at the beginning of March by announcements from […]
This Morning in Metals: Contractors more optimistic in latest Commercial Construction Index
This morning in metals news: the US Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Construction Index revealed some optimism among contractors; meanwhile, the Senate confirmed Katherine Tai as the next United States Trade Representative; and, lastly, the nickel price has appeared to stabilize after a sharp drop. Sign up today for Gunpowder, MetalMiner’s free, biweekly e-newsletter featuring news, […]
Stainless MMI: Nickel price drops on Tsingshan supply news
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 4.3% for this month’s reading, as news of a supply deal by China’s Tsingshan Holding Group helped push the nickel price downward. Sick of not finding good price indexes for stainless steel? Check out the MetalMiner stainless steel should-cost model — detailed price-per-pound info for grade, form, […]