IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 5 key stories from February 21

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Friday February 21 that are worth another look.

The impact on Vale from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been limited thus far, but the company is watching the situation closely in China.

Logistics disruptions across China have paralyzed many of the country’s supply chains since the outbreak of a novel coronavirus infection forced authorities to clamp down on movements of material and people within the country

The price of stainless steel in the European domestic market was unchanged in the week to February 21, but decreases are expected for March due to weaker nickel values, sources told Fastmarkets.

This year’s annual benchmark treatment charges (TCs) for zinc and lead concentrates are expected to rise due to high supply and the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China and beyond affecting the raw materials market.

China’s lithium prices held steady in the week to February 21, while a lack of downstream buying slowed spot market liquidity, domestic logistics resumed gradually and delays remained to be seen, sources said.

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Steel producers in the United States remain optimistic about construction demand despite its lackluster short-term outlook, according to market participants
The influential annual treatment and refining charge (TC/RC) benchmark that sets the price that smelters charge miners to process their copper concentrate could be at risk, according to multiple market sources, although most believe the system, or elements of it, will remain
Caroline Messecar, strategic markets editor for Fastmarkets, explores the world of rare earth prices in her opinion piece for ‘The Crucible’ titled ‘Why have rare earth prices fallen?’
After a consultation period, Fastmarkets has amended the pricing frequency of its MB-STE-0141 steel billet import, cfr Manila, $/tonne, price assessment from a daily basis to twice per week.
The publication of the following prices was delayed on Tuesday April 30 due to technical issues. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
Fastmarkets launches MB-NI-0256 nickel low-carbon briquette premium, cif global, $/tonne, on Wednesday May 1.