Iron ore is now the new pawn in international geopolitics, with China now pushing yuan-based payments for imported iron ore

Freeport’s 2026 copper concentrate contracts introduce a higher floor-cap pricing structure that redefines industry benchmarks. The negotiations highlight broader shifts in global copper supply, smelting economics and pricing frameworks.

Explore the benefits of buying new vs used pallets and their impact on sustainability in the packaging industry.

Fastmarkets’ weekly recap of the main movements in global agriculture cash markets.

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.

‘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.

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

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.

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

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.