Get started

EUROPEAN MORNING BRIEF 31/12: LME base metals up on trade developments; China’s grade-553 silicon price flat; Chinese black tungsten conc price continues decline

Good morning from Fastmarkets MB’s offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Monday December 31.

December 31, 2018
By Ellie Wang

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were all up during Asian morning trading on Monday amid renewed optimism in the market after US President Donald Trump reported “big progress” in trade talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Check Fastmarkets MB’s live futures report here.

London Metal Exchange, base metals prices

The fob China grade-553 silicon price was unchanged in the week ended December 28 amid thin inquiries and trades.

The black tungsten concentrate price in China continued to fall in the week to December 26, while the Chinese ammonium paratungstate and ferro-tungsten prices were flat week on week amid thin enquiries.

Indian domestic secondary billet prices rose by at least 600 rupees ($9) per tonne last week on sustained buying by long product makers and improved trading
 
Global ferrous scrap prices were mostly little-changed during the week ended Friday December 28 due to illiquid spot trading.

What to read next
Delayed publication of flat steel reduced carbon emissions, daily inferred, exw China
The following price was affected: MB-STE-0923 Flat steel reduced carbon emissions, daily inferred, exw China, yuan/tonne, scheduled for 5-6pm China Standard Time (Shanghai), was published at 9:13pm. This price is part of the Fastmarkets steel package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price, or if you would like […]
May 18, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team
Delayed publication of Steel scrap shredded index, import, cfr Nhava Sheva, India
The publication of Fastmarkets’ MB-STE-0421 Steel scrap shredded, index, import, cfr Nhava Sheva, India was delayed because of a peer reviewer error. The Fastmarkets pricing database has been updated.
May 15, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team
Delayed publication of Fastmarkets’ North American ferrous scrap prices for May
Fastmarkets advises that, as of Monday May 11, certain monthly North American ferrous scrap markets are yet to settle.
May 11, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team
Publication of Fastmarkets’ steel scrap No1 busheling, delivered mill Chicago assessment on Monday May 11, 2026
Fastmarkets published its assessment of the MB-STE-0232 steel scrap No1 busheling, consumer buying price, delivered mill Chicago, $/gross ton on Monday May 11, 2026.
May 11, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team
Delayed publication of Turkey domestic steel scrap prices
The following prices were affected: MB-STE-0093 Steel scrap auto bundle scrap domestic, delivered Turkey, lira/tonneMB-STE-0094 Steel scrap melting scrap from shipbreaking domestic, delivered Turkey, $/tonne These prices are part of the Fastmarkets scrap package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of these prices, or if you would like to provide price information […]
May 11, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team
Pricing Notice
Delayed publication of steel HRC, CRC export, fob Black Sea, CIS
The publication of Fastmarkets' price assessments for steel hot-rolled coil export, fob Black Sea, CIS and steel cold-rolled coil export, fob Black Sea, CIS for Monday May 11 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets pricing database has been updated.
May 11, 2026
 · 
By Fastmarkets pricing team