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Launch of Roundwood SPF, delivered British Columbia – Interior price assessments

After a consultation period, Fastmarkets has launched a quarterly assessment of pulp-grade SPF logs delivered to the interior region of the Canadian province of British Columbia. This launch will include two markets, one assessed in Canadian dollars and another converted to US currency. Demand for pulp-grade logs is reported to be increasing in the British Columbia […]

October 15, 2025
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By Fastmarkets pricing team

Insights
US DLA cancels 7,500 tonne alloy-grade cobalt contract opportunity

The US Defense Logistics Agency has canceled its contract opportunity to purchase up to 7,500 tonnes of alloy-grade cobalt due to unresolved issues with the statement of work. The cancellation comes amid a sharp rise in cobalt prices, with the agency indicating the solicitation will be reissued once the issues are resolved.

October 15, 2025
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By Alexander Cook, Sofia Okun

Insights
‘Animal spirits’ reawaken in copper market, Gunvor base metals head says

‘Animal spirits’ are back in the copper market as supply disruptions, declining ore grades, and rising demand push prices toward $19,000–$22,000 per tonne, with long-term demand supported by electrification, defense, and global infrastructure growth.

October 15, 2025
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By Julienne Raboca

Insights
Copper smelters not yet at ‘peak pain’ despite tight concentrate market, Mercuria says

Why copper smelters are holding strong despite tight margins and global supply pressures

October 15, 2025
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By Julienne Raboca

Insights
Global ferro-chrome markets navigate supply chain shifts in wake of cutbacks in South Africa: LME Week

The ferro-chrome supply chain has been reshaped in 2025 following deep production cuts in South Africa, prompting global producers to seek new sources and adapt to changing trade flows, with China’s growing chrome network partially offsetting the shortfall.

October 15, 2025
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By Tina Tong, Claire Patel-Campbell

Insights
‘Smelting critical, not mining’ according to Trafigura CEO: LME Week 2025

Trafigura chief executive officer Richard Holtum's closing message onstage at the LME metals seminar was that processing capacity was more important than mining for national security

October 15, 2025
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By Julienne Raboca

Insights
Geopolitical tensions, slow green steel shift and rising Chinese coal supply: 3 takeaways from Coaltrans Asia 2025

Global coking coal market trends are being shaped by weakening steel production, constrained supply growth and evolving trade patterns, with policy shifts and China’s limited exports influencing the steelmaking coal outlook through 2025.

October 15, 2025
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By Bella Cheng

Insights
Argentina’s mining secretary highlights growing role in global energy transition: LME Week

Argentina is strengthening its role in the global energy transition through a comprehensive critical minerals strategy that extends beyond lithium to include copper, LNG, uranium and renewables. The country’s stable governance and investment-friendly policies are enhancing its appeal to international partners.

October 15, 2025
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By Xiaoying Du

Insights
Proposal to amend publication deadline for Germany, Italy steel scrap price assessments

The deadline will be amended from the second Friday of each month to publication by the final Friday of each month. The change is being made to ensure that all key market participants have concluded their monthly prices before the assessment is made. The prices in question are: MB-STE-0167 Steel scrap, E3 old thick scrap, domestic, […]

October 14, 2025
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By Ross Yeo

Insights
CMOC targets growth, stability amid global uncertainty

China’s CMOC Group is pursuing measured growth and global expansion amid geopolitical and market uncertainties, with a focus on copper and gold and an emphasis on maintaining commercial independence and adaptability.

October 14, 2025
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By Xiaoying Du

Insights

Top stories across markets

Recycling considered key to US rare earth magnet independence

Learn how US policymakers are focusing on rare earth magnets and recycling to build a sustainable supply chain.

November 3, 2025

By: Sean Barry

US trade in prime steel scrap loses luster as contracts face reset

The US prime steel scrap contracts market is undergoing a major reset as mills and suppliers renegotiate terms amid falling prices and shifting leverage. Oversupply and waning premiums are reshaping how future scrap deals are structured across North America.

October 31, 2025

By: Lisa Gordon

US copper smelting equation: gap or glut? | Hotter Commodities

As global smelting margins weaken, a quiet revival is taking shape in the United States as new copper smelting and refining projects gather momentum. Policy shifts, strategic incentives and the push for industrial resilience are driving investment that could close America’s long-standing processing gap and reshape its role in the global copper market.

October 31, 2025

By: Andrea Hotter

Base metals demand outlook under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: reactive analysis

Explore how China’s 15th Five-Year Plan drives base metals demand in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

October 30, 2025

By: Rory Deng

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