Miner Assmang has declared force majeure on manganese shipments after South Africa imposed a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Fastmarkets understands.

Another challenging year is expected for the US energy pipe sector, particularly for the oil country tubular goods and line pipe markets.

The London Metal Exchange three-month tin price was the standout performer during morning trading on Wednesday March 25, while its peers were suppressed by a pessimistic market reaction to global financial stimulus announced to combat the economic effects of the novel coronavirus (nCoV 2019).

The trading of metals into India is likely to be severely affected by difficulties in opening letters of credit (LCs) now that the country is locked down to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), sources told Fastmarkets on Wednesday March 25.

United States politicians agreed a $2-trillion stimulus package to support the US economy during the ongoing novel coronavirus (nCoV 2019) pandemic, and markets, especially equity markets, have reacted well.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were on divergent paths during the morning trading session on Wednesday March 25, with copper gaining the most on improved risk sentiment and recent production cuts.

Asian Pacific equity indices and most metals prices are stronger this morning, Tuesday March 24, boosted by a combination of broad-based fiscal and monetary policy, and for the metals, announcements of production cuts.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were all up during the morning session on Tuesday March 24 amid a slide in the dollar and following the launch of unlimited quantitative easing by the United States Federal Reserve.

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Monday March 23 that are worth another look.

The spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outside China has brought with it logistical restrictions, a reconsideration of raw material requirements and concerns over possible disruptions to supply in the coming weeks.