The initial confusion is settling in the bulk ferro-alloys markets in Europe following weeks of speculation about the potential for minimum import prices to be imposed as part of a European Commission safeguarding investigation.

The European ferro-alloys market faces uncertainty as the European Commission considers imposing minimum import prices. Suppliers are adjusting sales contracts, pricing strategies and agreements in anticipation of potential safeguard measures.

After a consultation period, Fastmarkets has amended the frequency of its price assessment for MB-FN-0001 ferro-niobium, 63-67%, delivered consumer works, dp Europe, $ per kg Nb, to twice weekly from once per week.

China’s push for greener ferro-alloy production has revealed a significant divide between its northern and southern regions due to contrasting access to clean energy, supply and demand dynamics and regulatory environments, according to market participants.

The publication of the affected prices was delayed for 50 minutes. The following indices were published late: MB-MNO-0001 Manganese ore high grade index, cif Tianjin, $ per dmtu MB-MNO-0002 Manganese ore semi carbonate index, 36.5% Mn, fob Port Elizabeth, $/dmtu MB-MNO-0003 Manganese ore semi carbonate index, 36.5% Mn, cif Tianjin, $/dmtu These prices are a part of the […]

Following preliminary discussions with the market and interrogation of data collected by Fastmarkets over recent months, Fastmarkets now proposes to assess and publish the price for ferro-niobium, 63-67%, delivered consumer works, dp Europe, on Wednesdays and Fridays, from the current basis of once weekly on Wednesdays. This more frequent price assessment will enable Fastmarkets to […]

South Africa’s newly approved Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy and the draft of the 2025 Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) have drawn significant attention from global market participants, particularly manganese and chrome buyers in China.

Fastmarkets' Tina Tong discusses adopting ESG practices for a sustainable ferro-alloys future

Fastmarkets invited feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for its ferro-chrome 50% Cr import, cif main Chinese ports, $ per lb contained Cr price assessment, via an open consultation process between April 7 and May 5, 2025. This consultation was done as part of our published annual methodology review process. No feedback was […]

Chinese exports of long steel and steel billet increased sharply in the first quarter of 2025, preventing their prices from dropping more deeply amid a slow demand recovery in the domestic market, market participants said.