China has launched a coordinated crackdown on the illegal export of strategic minerals under export control, such as antimony, gallium, germanium, tungsten and rare earths, the country’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday May 9.

Cobalt Holdings plans to acquire 6,000 tonnes of cobalt. Following their $230M London Stock Exchange listing, this move secures a key cobalt reserve. With the DRC’s export ban affecting prices, the decision reflects shifting industry dynamics

The recent US-China agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs is a major step for global trade, with tariffs on US goods entering China dropping from 125% to 10% and on Chinese goods entering the US decreasing from 145% to 30% starting May 14. While this has boosted markets and created optimism, key industries like autos and steel remain affected, leaving businesses waiting for clearer long-term trade policies.

Fastmarkets proposes to amend the frequency of Taiwan base metals prices from biweekly to monthly, and the delivery timing for the tin 99.99% ingot premium from two weeks to four weeks.

The US-China trade truce announced on May 12 has brought cautious optimism to China’s non-ferrous metals markets, signaling a possible shift in global trade. Starting May 14, the removal of additional tariffs has impacted sectors like battery raw materials, minor metals and base metals such as zinc and nickel, with mixed reactions. While the improved sentiment has lifted futures prices and trade activity, the long-term effects remain unclear due to challenges like supply-demand pressures and export controls.

Low physical demand and surplus SAF compliance tickets weigh down UCOME prices

Explore the current trends in the wood market as prices for framing lumber continue to decline amidst economic uncertainty.

Read Fastmarkets' wheat market update ahead of USDA report release

The US-UK trade deal removes tariffs on steel and aluminium while reducing automotive duties, offering relief to British industries and reshaping transatlantic trade dynamics. The agreement also signals broader implications for global trade negotiations, particularly regarding China and excess capacity in metals.

Under the proposal, less-frequent price assessments that fall on Chinese public holidays will be published on the nearest working day. The prices are being skipped according to the currently pricing holiday schedule. Fortnightly and monthly prices that fall on Chinese public holidays will be assessed and published on the closest working day in the same […]