Brazil faces growing pressure to strengthen its steel import safeguards as global trade imbalances and new EU measures reshape export and import dynamics. Rising inflows from Asia threaten domestic mills, exposing weaknesses in Brazil’s trade defenses.

Barry Zekelman discusses how the domestic steel industry remains a cornerstone of America’s national security, energy independence and technological growth.

The US Defense Logistics Agency has canceled its contract opportunity to purchase up to 7,500 tonnes of alloy-grade cobalt due to unresolved issues with the statement of work. The cancellation comes amid a sharp rise in cobalt prices, with the agency indicating the solicitation will be reissued once the issues are resolved.

‘Animal spirits’ are back in the copper market as supply disruptions, declining ore grades, and rising demand push prices toward $19,000–$22,000 per tonne, with long-term demand supported by electrification, defense, and global infrastructure growth.

Argentina is strengthening its role in the global energy transition through a comprehensive critical minerals strategy that extends beyond lithium to include copper, LNG, uranium and renewables. The country’s stable governance and investment-friendly policies are enhancing its appeal to international partners.

China’s CMOC Group is pursuing measured growth and global expansion amid geopolitical and market uncertainties, with a focus on copper and gold and an emphasis on maintaining commercial independence and adaptability.

The London Metal Exchange (LME) has set out its plan to launch low-carbon base metals price premiums for nickel, aluminium, zinc and copper in a white paper published on Monday October 13.

The DRC’s export quota system has tightened cobalt supply, driving price volatility and prompting shifts in sourcing strategies across the global market.

LME Week 2025 opens for the lithium market amid rising uncertainty over China’s new export controls on battery materials, and a shifting outlook for domestic supply from lepidolite and salt-lake projects

The effect of the fatal rock burst at Codelco’s flagship El Teniente mine will be greater than initially expected, with copper production losses now forecast to reach 48,000 tonnes in 2025, the Chilean producer’s chairman has said.