Market insights

Search all the latest market insights and coverage

US hot-rolled coil index moves above $28.50/cwt; buyers divided

Hot-rolled coil prices in the United States have risen for the fourth day in a row, with buyers divided on whether prices will remain at relatively elevated levels through the end of the year.

September 19, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
Most trade associations cheer 232 Al tariff removal for Canada

Most trade associations reacted positively to the surprise announcement on Tuesday September 15 that the United States was removing tariffs on aluminium imported from Canada, but some took issue with the quota system that has taken its place.

September 19, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
PRICING NOTICE: Proposal to launch two high-carbon ferro-chrome assessments, phase out existing one

Fastmarkets proposes to launch two new European high-carbon ferro-chrome price assessments and to eventually discontinue the existing assessment.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
BATTERY RAW MATERIALS MARKET REPORT 18/09: SRB stockpiling expectations support cobalt hydroxide

An overview of the battery raw materials markets and their latest price moves.

September 18, 2020
·
By Carrie Shi

Insights
COKING COAL DAILY: Seaborne hard coking coal indices tick up amid cautious optimism

Seaborne hard coking coal indices in both fob and cfr markets rose slightly on Friday September 18 following the latest transaction, while most market participants remain in wait-and-see mode.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
MORNING VIEW: Sentiment in metals remains bullish as dips bought

This time yesterday base metals prices were down across the board, but with the exception of Shanghai Futures Exchange tin, they were all up during morning trading on Friday September 18 – showing sentiment remains bullish overall with dips being bought.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
GLOBAL LITHIUM WRAP: Seaborne Asian lithium market succumbs to price pressure

Asian seaborne lithium market ended its over two-month steady streak on Thursday September 17 with lower prices captured on the spot market, while China’s domestic spot battery-grade lithium markets remained firm with producers insisting on higher prices.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
S KOREA STEEL SCRAP: Prices down as mill maintenance reduces demand

Prices for cargoes of steel scrap imported into South Korea have dropped over the past week amid lower demand from mills that will take rounds of maintenance during the next few months, sources told Fastmarkets on Friday September 18.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
Talks resume in labor strike at NLMK USA’s Pennsylvania facility

Talks between United Steelworkers union Local 1016-3 and NLMK USA management in Farrell, Pennsylvania, have advanced somewhat, with some tentative progress regarding health insurance benefits; but several issues remain outstanding and won't be addressed until next week, when talks are expected to resume, one union leader said.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights
US HRC price hits six-month high of $28.50 per cwt

Hot-rolled coil prices in the united States have clawed their way back to $28.50 per hundredweight ($570 per short ton) for the first time since automakers temporarily idled operations in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

September 18, 2020
·
By Generic people page

Insights

Top stories across markets

Lower European aluminium premiums risk deterring imports, freight rates fall

Lower aluminium premiums in Europe risk deterring imports amid falling freight rates, with some market participants now looking at the availability of material for 2023 in light of the various smelter cuts on the continent

November 25, 2022

By: the Fastmarkets team

Mexican domestic OCC prices sink in November

A downturn in recovered fiber demand in November has triggered a decline in prices and demand for imports in Mexico

November 25, 2022

By: the Fastmarkets team

Financial hit for Ukraine farmers means spring sowing may reach just 50%

The Russian invasion and the uncertainty around the grain corridor deal present serious challenges for grains and oilseeds producers

November 25, 2022

By: Masha Belikova

3D illustration of electric vehicles charging

Prices for MHP and Chinese nickel sulfate stabilize on mixed demand

The markets for mixed-hydroxide-precipitate (MHP) and Chinese nickel sulfate have stabilized after a period of volatility on the London Metal Exchange and cooling demand in China, Fastmarkets heard on Monday November 21

November 25, 2022

By: the Fastmarkets team

Key topics and special interest hubs

Browse our special interest content hubs to get deeper insights into the biggest issues across commodity markets

2025 outlooks

Trade policies

Critical minerals

Green steel

Recycling batteries

Electric car charge sign with wind turbines on background

Supply chains

Procurement insights

Methodology

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

Learn more

Fast Forward podcast

The definitive podcast for the critical minerals and battery raw materials markets. From uncovering market secrets to predicting future trends using Fastmarkets forecasting data, we’ve got you covered.

Subscribe now

Hotter Commodities

In Hotter Commodities, special correspondent Andrea Hotter cuts to the chase on the biggest stories impacting the natural resources sector, what it means for the markets, the key risks and opportunities.

Find out more

Fastmarkets combines the commodity intelligence of these familiar names:

Metal Bulletin • American Metal Market • Scrap Price Bulletin • Industrial Minerals • RISI • FOEX • The Jacobsen • Agricensus • Palm Oil Analytics • Random Lengths • Hardwood Market Report
• FastMarkets and more

Talk to us

Whether you’re interested in learning how to become a customer from our sales teams or looking to get in touch with one of our reporters, we’re here for you.

Speak to our team

Why use a price reporting agency?

Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.

Learn more

Our insights

Discover our global market insights into commodity markets. See what's trending in the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining and new generation energy markets.