Fastmarkets will publish inferred low-carbon midpoint calculations for some aluminium P1020A and value-added product (VAP) markets in line with the launch of the low-carbon aluminium differentials.

With markets in China and much of Southeast Asia closed on Thursday February 11 ahead of Lunar New Year, trading on the London Metal Exchange this morning has been quiet with the base metals ranged between being down by 0.3% and up by 0.2%.

The Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users (CAMMU) is calling on United States President Joe Biden to end the Section 232 steel and aluminium tariffs, a position that puts it at odds with groups representing domestic steel producers.

Fastmarkets will publish its first low-carbon aluminium differentials on Friday March 5, one for primary aluminium (P1020A) and one for aluminium value-added products (VAP).

Trafigura is set to open an office in Toronto, Canada, to help foster links with mining companies based in the region, sources told Fastmarkets.

Base metals prices were putting in a strong performance on the last trading day before the Chinese New Year holiday, with all the metals, with the exception of an already strong tin, seeing gains this morning, Wednesday February 10.

With the exception of tin, base metals prices on both the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange were firmer this morning, Tuesday February 9, as were the precious metals and oil, while the US dollar continued with its recent pullback.

The United States Court of International Trade (CIT) upheld Section 232 tariffs on steel imports, ruling against steel consumers who argued that former President Donald Trump imposed the duties incorrectly.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mainly weaker this morning, Monday February 8, while those on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mostly firmer, but this comes after a strong performance on the LME on Friday, when prices closed up by an average of 1.7%.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were up across the board on the morning of Friday February 5, led by a 1.4% gain in nickel, with the US Dollar Index easing after reaching a three-month high on Thursday.