While US equities remain upbeat on expectations for looser monetary policy, the base metals continue to reflect the soft economic conditions brought about by the lack of a United States-China trade deal.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mostly up during morning trading on Thursday July 4, following record closing highs for US stocks on Wednesday.

Fastmarkets proposes to amend several semi-finished products' price assessment specifications in response to changing market conditions.

Trafigura has moved to integrate its derivatives trading business to function under individual book heads, which will further consolidate the management of its metals business, Fastmarkets understands.

Taiwanese and South Korean hot-rolled coil (HRC) producers, as well as major international trading companies, will likely to be hit by new US duties imposed this week on cold-rolled steel imports from Vietnam, market sources told Fastmarkets MB today.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly down during morning trading on Wednesday July 3, with the complex down by an average of 0.8%.

A deal struck between the European Union and South America’s Mercosur trading group will boost trade between the two blocs in non-ferrous metals and related products, Fastmarkets heard on Tuesday July 2.

Global crude steelmaking capacity could increase by 3.9-4.9% from 2018 to 2021 if current investment projects are all realized, the Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) said in a paper published on Tuesday July 2.

Optimism that the resumption of US-China trade talks meant a trade deal was once again on the agenda led to a relief rally in base metals prices in early trading on Monday July 1, but disappointing manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data across most regions has led to the gains being reversed.

It has been over half a year since the seaborne iron ore market got itself a new tool to manage price risks associated with exposure to the high-grade segment.