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

The recent US-China agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs is a major step for global trade, with tariffs on US goods entering China dropping from 125% to 10% and on Chinese goods entering the US decreasing from 145% to 30% starting May 14. While this has boosted markets and created optimism, key industries like autos and steel remain affected, leaving businesses waiting for clearer long-term trade policies.

BEK pulp prices in Europe dropped $40/tonne in April, driven by US import tariff uncertainties and weaker demand in China.

The US-China trade truce announced on May 12 has brought cautious optimism to China’s non-ferrous metals markets, signaling a possible shift in global trade. Starting May 14, the removal of additional tariffs has impacted sectors like battery raw materials, minor metals and base metals such as zinc and nickel, with mixed reactions. While the improved sentiment has lifted futures prices and trade activity, the long-term effects remain unclear due to challenges like supply-demand pressures and export controls.

The rationale has been updated to include the following information: Owing to a UK public holiday on May 5, the Spodumene cif China price will next be published on May 6. This is in accordance with Fastmarkets’ pricing schedule. This price is part of the Fastmarkets’ Industrial Minerals package. The published price is unaffected by this […]

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 […]

China's shipbuilding sector remains strong despite proposed US tariffs, leading the industry for the 15th consecutive year in 2024 with 55.7% of global completions and 74.1% of new orders. Chinese shipyards benefit from low labor costs, efficient supply chains and competitive steel prices, offering vessels at significantly lower costs than US equivalents. High demand for materials and next-gen vessels further reinforces China's dominance in global shipbuilding.

Explore how rare earths power innovation, China's dominance and efforts to build a resilient global supply chain

Fastmarkets is further extending the consultation period for its proposal to launch a monthly high-grade nickel matte payable indicator, 65-75% nickel contained, cif China, % of official exchange price assessment, following feedback from market participants. The initial proposal to launch the assessment was published on February 26, but following feedback related to market liquidity Fastmarkets extended the consultation […]

Sentiment was markedly lower during Shanghai Pulp Week 2025, standing in contrast to the bullish attitudes from a year prior. We focus on three main takeaways from our interactions with industry participants last week and conclude that a wait-and-see approach is likely to remain the dominant pattern in the short run. Key takeaways: US-Canada trade […]