The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) move to extend its export window for cobalt quotas has been viewed as potentially easing supply tightness, although the immediate market reaction has been limited.

Fastmarkets launched two new aluminium scrap prices on Thursday, April 9, adding to Fastmarkets’ suite of recycled non-ferrous metals price assessments. The launch will elevate and expand Fastmarkets’ aluminium scrap coverage by including the following grades: Section 232 tariffs and the resulting high aluminium premiums have led to increased costs and rising interest in recycled […]

The publication of Fastmarkets’ Soymeal CIF US Gulf Barge Hipro, Soymeal CIF US Gulf Barge Hipro Premium, Soymeal FOB US Gulf Barge Hipro and Soymeal FOB US Gulf Barge Hipro Premium assessments for April 6 and 7, 2026 was delayed because of a procedure lapse and a system error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.

The publication of Fastmarkets' Hard coking coal domestic China spot market, Shanxi-origin, delivered Tangshan assessment for Tuesday April 7 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had a pronounced impact on the packaging industry across the GCC region, sending March containerboard prices and demand soaring. With shipping routes disrupted and fuel costs climbing, packaging producers are facing considerable logistical hurdles. As import delays persist, Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in containerboard demand, with orders increasingly redirected to local mills. Meanwhile, UAE fuel prices have jumped by 72%, though Saudi prices have remained stable despite volatility in global oil markets.

Decarbonization has become the defining theme for heavy industry. With the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now in force and mounting pressure to curb emissions, hard-to-abate sectors such as steel are being pushed to adapt to a lower-carbon economy.

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, set to take provisional effect in 2026, aims to reduce trade barriers between the two regions. However, the deal faces significant opposition from environmental groups and EU agricultural sectors. For the pulp and paper industry, the effects will be phased in over several years, with an analysis by Cepi showing that tariff reductions will be gradual, eventually benefiting about 85% of EU pulp exports and 90% of paper and board exports.

Discover the latest tissue paper market trends in China. Learn why China tissue jumbo roll prices are fluctuating and what it means for buyers and mills.

Crop-based biodiesel became cheaper than fossil diesel in the EU for the first time on Thursday April 2, when premiums for core crop grades FAME 0 (fatty acid methyl ester 0) and RME (rapeseed methyl ester) over ICE gasoil fell into negative territory.

Fastmarkets has changed the frequency of publication of its price assessment for MB-SN-0011 tin grade A min 99.85% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US, $ per tonne, from monthly to quarterly, starting with the price assessment published on Tuesday April 7, 2026.