IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 5 key stories from June 16

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Tuesday June 16 that are worth another look.

Swedish stainless steel producer Sandvik is to cut 429 jobs from its Sandvik Materials Technology division later this year because of the negative impact on business of the Covid-19 pandemic

Ferrous scrap prices have ticked up slightly in Mexico, although overall steel production and industrial activity remain low, market sources told Fastmarkets.

China has released a minimal amount of quotas in its eighth announcement in 2020 to allow importers to source copper and aluminium scrap from overseas, Fastmarkets understands.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange will start trading aluminium and zinc options from August 10 after receiving approval from the China Security Regulatory Commission, the exchange said on Friday June 12.

The electric vehicle (EV) sector will continue to find support in the medium term despite the overall impact of Covid-19 on global automotive output in 2020, according to battery materials manufacturer Umicore.

What to read next
Mexico’s strategic role in automotive nearshoring is fueling demand for recycled aluminium, with investment in scrap-intensive sectors boosting its non-ferrous secondary markets. Despite tariff uncertainties, USMCA compliance and EV production growth continue to attract global manufacturers.
Goldcorp founder Rob McEwen is back in the spotlight with a bold bet on copper in Argentina. The $2.5 billion Los Azules project, set to become Argentina’s first major copper mine in over 30 years, is reshaping the country’s mining industry while raising sustainability standards. Positioned as a key player in addressing a global copper shortage, the project highlights innovation, persistence and a commitment to meeting the growing demand from global electrification.
Fastmarkets has launched MB-NI-0257, high-grade nickel matte payable indicator, 65-75% nickel contained, cif China, % of official exchange price on Friday May 30.
The following price was affected: MB-AL-0020 Aluminium P1020A premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb.  This price is a part of the Fastmarkets Base Metals package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price or if you would like to provide price information by becoming a data submitter to this price, please […]
The US aluminium industry is experiencing challenges related to tariffs, which have contributed to higher prices and premiums, raising questions about potential impacts on demand. Alcoa's CEO has noted that sustained high prices could affect the domestic market. While trade agreements might provide some relief, analysts expect premiums to remain elevated in the near term. However, aluminum demand is projected to grow over the long term, supported by the energy transition and clean energy projects. To meet this demand, the industry will need to increase production, restart idle smelters and address factors such as electricity costs and global competition.
Read Fastmarkets' monthly base metals market for May 2025 focusing on raw materials including copper, nickel aluminium, lead, zinc and tin.