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    • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has moved to impose a suspension on exports of cobalt for four months due to the low-price environment at the start of the year, according to documents seen by Fastmarkets and sources close to the situation.
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    • Increased metal refining capacity in China and Indonesia has led to a rise in production of Chinese and Indonesian cobalt metal brands. Data gathered from pricing sessions shows an increase in the trading activity of these brands on a spot and forward basis in the in-whs Rotterdam market. This data also shows these brands transacting […]
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    • Brazilian tallow prices rose further in the week to Thursday, February 20, mainly supported by stronger exports. Suppliers kept their offers at higher levels despite unexpected changes in the country’s biodiesel mandate. The price reference for exported Brazilian tallow with a maximum of 15% free fatty acids (FFA), FOB Santos, was assessed at $1,050-1,080 per […]
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    • The publication of Fastmarkets’ Chinese battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices for Thursday February 20 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
      Insights
    • More than one week after US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, the aluminium markets in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil are still worried about the consequences and ongoing uncertainty around the potential implications for global trade flows, sources told Fastmarkets.
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    • The US has the opportunity to be self-reliant on manganese for use in batteries once South32’s Hermosa project is up and running, the president of Hermosa told Fastmarkets.
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    • During the consultation period, Fastmarkets received extensive feedback from all sectors of the European aluminium industry. You can find the original consultation notice here. Fastmarkets will now evaluate the written comments received, before publishing a final decision on the consultation. If you would like to provide price information by becoming a data submitter, please contact Sayaka […]
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    • Dry bulk freight rates for Panamax vessels in the Atlantic Ocean rose in the week to Wednesday, February 19, as increased cargo demand in the Americas supported rates. Freight rates for the Brazil-Northeast Asia route rose by $1.90 per tonne week on week to $34.70 per tonne, while prices for the US Gulf-Northeast Asia route […]
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    • The European Union’s weekly wheat exports amounted to 243,324 tonnes in the week to Sunday, February 16, according to initial data from the European Commission. Total wheat exports from the EU for the 2024/25 marketing year stood at 13.34 million tonnes, down by 36% compared with the same period in the previous marketing year, when […]
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    • The following prices were published with a delay of 16 hours and 39 minutes: MB-MAG-0018 – Magnesia, dead burned, 95% MgO, fob Europe, $/tonneMB-MAG-0013 – Magnesite, Greek, raw, max 3.5% SiO2, fob East Mediterranean, €/tonneMB-MAG-0012 – Magnesia, European calcined, agricultural, cif Europe, €/tonneMB-MAG-0019 – Magnesia, fused, 97% MgO, cif Europe, $/tonne These prices are a part […]
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    Top stories across markets

    The US-UK trade deal removes tariffs on steel and aluminium while reducing automotive duties, offering relief to British industries and reshaping transatlantic trade dynamics. The agreement also signals broader implications for global trade negotiations, particularly regarding China and excess capacity in metals.

    Soybean futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange fell for the second consecutive session on Wednesday April 30, pressured by selling in the soyoil market and plummeting crude prices.

    The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be implemented in seven months’ time but the region’s steel industry was still not fully prepared for the gradual changes the system will involve, Fastmarkets heard on Thursday May 8 at the Made in Steel trade fair in Milan, Italy.

    US futures moved into positive territory on Wednesday April 30, on bargain buying following double-digit declines observed on Tuesday April 29.

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    We recognize the importance of being clear about our price assessment and index process. Our independently audited pricing process aligns with core IOSCO principles. Find out how our price reporters and analysts assess and forecast prices in agriculture, forest products and metals

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