• Following an initial consultation under the ongoing review of Fastmarkets’ iron ore 62% Fe fines index name and specifications, Fastmarkets is proposing changes to the name and specifications of the Fastmarkets value-in-use adjustment values. The new specifications would be as follows, with amendments in italics: MB-IRO-0018 Iron ore 61% fines, % Fe VIU, cfr Qingdao, $/tonneIron Value In Use adjustments […]
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    • Following the conclusion of a consultation period, Fastmarkets has introduced a new monthly price assessment to reflect 99.4% min grade chromium commonly sourced from European producers, which is traded at a premium to the broader 99% grade. This material had previously been included in the MB-CR-0001 chromium alumino-thermic 99% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne. This launch […]
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    • 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.
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    • This change was not initially noted on the Fastmarkets’ 2025 publication schedule. It has now been updated. The grades that are covered are: Eucalyptus FP-PLP-0042 Northern Bleached Hardwood Kraft, mixed FP-PLP-0043 Southern Mixed Hardwood Kraft FP-PLP-0044 Bleached Hardwood Kraft, Acacia FP-PLP-0045 Bleached Chemi-Thermomechanical Pulp, Aspen FP-PLP-0046 Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft FP-PLP-0047 Bleached Softwood Kraft, Radiata […]
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    • The rationales have been updated to include the following information: Owing to a UK public holiday on May 5, the Lithium carbonate cif China, Japan & Korea price and Lithium hydroxide cif China, Japan & Korea price will next be published on May 6. This is in accordance with Fastmarkets’ pricing schedule. These prices are part […]
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    • The global metallurgical coke market is undergoing a dramatic transformation in 2025, shaped by declining demand in key markets, rising trade protectionism, and a growing push for decarbonization.
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    • Fastmarkets invited feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for its steel hot-rolled coil index, domestic, exw Northern Europe, € per tonne (MB-STE-0028) and steel hot-rolled coil index, fob mill US Midwest, $ per cwt (MB-STE-0184), via an open consultation process between March 24 and April 24, 2025.
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    • In order to better reflect the material traded in the market, Fastmarkets proposes to reduce the range of specified widths to 1,500-2,500mm from 1,000-2,500mm. The publication day of the assessment will also be changed from Friday to Thursday. The proposed new specifications are listed below, with the suggested amendments in italics: MB-STE-0896 Steel slab import, cfr […]
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    • Due to the Labor Day public holiday in Turkey on Thursday May 1, these prices will be published instead on May 2, in accordance with Fastmarkets’ policy. This change was not initially noted on Fastmarkets’ 2025 pricing schedule. The pricing schedule has now been updated. The affected prices are: MB-STE-0119 steel reinforcing bar (rebar), export, fob […]
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    • Trump’s first 100 days in his second term have reignited debates over the impact of tariffs on the US steel industry. While the administration claims tariffs protect American jobs and boost the economy, experts point to rising costs and uncertainties affecting businesses. From higher steel prices to strained trade relations, the effects are already being felt, leaving many questioning the future of US steel and related markets.
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