Base metal futures on the London Metal Exchange bar aluminium were down on Monday, October 31, the first full day of trading following LME Week

Imports of Russian steel into the United States have dropped precipitously this year, negating the need for a formal ban similar to the one reportedly being considered for aluminium

The benchmark US Midwest aluminium premium was steady on Friday, October 28 for the first time since the beginning of September, prompting some sources to say the premium has reached a bottom

The CME Group has tripled the volumes traded on its physically delivered global aluminium futures contract since the first quarter of 2022 - reaching a single-day high of 7,929 contracts on October 5, with a daily average of about 3,000 contracts so far this month and open interest at a record 1,411 contracts on October 19

The London Metal Exchange has announced new additions to the LMEpassport which will provide increased transparency on brands using scrap material and broaden disclosure to non-LME brands

High global energy costs coinciding with potential macroeconomic headwinds are threatening the production of metals that are pivotal in helping countries meet decarbonization goals

Scrap metal products were being repurposed as part of the green solution to achieve decarbonization, and some major market participants at the beginning of the recycling chain have been exploring ways to get a slice of the so-called ‘green premium,’ Fastmarkets has heard

Soaring energy prices, particularly in Europe, have dominated headlines globally and have had significant impacts on base metal prices, both on the London Metal Exchange and in physical spot premiums

With soaring European energy prices squeezing margins and curtailing production of various commodities, Fastmarkets explores whether the crisis risks the postponement of investment in renewable power and in the transition to green metals.

The negotiation season for long-term contracts is well under way in many of the base metal markets, and participants globally have noted that the price volatility seen so far in 2022 and the soaring energy costs in Europe have weighed on consumer sentiment