Algeria's steel billet import market is set for dramatic changes in the next couple of years, largely as a result of the country's fast-growing local steel industry.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were down across the board by an average of 1% on the morning of Thursday July 19. Losses were ranged between a 0.1% drop for aluminium and a 2% fall for zinc. The three-month copper price was down by 0.8% at $6,129 per tonne.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Thursday July 19.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were up across the board during Asian morning trading on Thursday July 19, with a retreat in the dollar index reviving investors’ appetite for the metals.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Thursday July 19.

About 112 tonnes of cobalt in drums have been stolen from the Vollers warehouse in Kesterenstraat 21, Rotterdam.

The European Commission has set preliminary safeguard measures for imports of 23 steel products, it said on Wednesday July 18.

Metal Bulletin is proposing to launch four weekly grade-316 alloy steel scrap assessments - two for the UK and two for Europe.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Wednesday July 18.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange remained under pressure during Asian morning trading on Wednesday July 18, with concerns over trade wars and a slowing Chinese economy weighing on the complex.