Cobalt market dynamics are intensifying as the DRC's export suspension fuels volatility, raises supply chain concerns, and impacts global pricing and investments

French shipping giant CMA CGM Group’s plan to invest $20 billion in maritime transportation, logistics and supply chains in the US over the next four years signals the start of a turnaround for US shipbuilding and will increase demand for steel plate by as much as an estimated $2 billion over the term of the investment, according to market participants.

Markets thrive when they are informed and have a measure of certainty that includes benchmarks on which they can rely. Biodiesel producers in the US have been lacking this certainty, and a majority of their production capacity remains idled as a result. A Fastmarkets biodiesel production survey under way in the week ending Friday, March […]

Read Fastmarkets' monthly battery raw materials market update for March 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more

The US aluminium market faces growing instability as ongoing tariff adjustments take a toll on cross-border trade with Canada. This article examines how uncertain policies are driving pricing risks, creating volatility in premiums, and forcing industry players to pause transactions.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on Thursday, March 6, that it is opening an investigation to determine if the US is unfairly subsidizing and dumping renewable diesel in Canada; changing US biofuel policy seems to be a contributing factor in this investigation. The Blender’s Tax Credit (BTC), which expired on December 31, provided […]

President Trump has threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium to 50%, potentially escalating tensions in US-Canada trade relations. If implemented, this move could have significant economic consequences and may prompt retaliatory actions from Canada. The article examines the potential implications of this tariff hike and its impact on the steel and aluminium industries, as well as the broader trade dynamics between the two nations.

The US-Ukraine mineral partnership deal has stalled due to security concerns, leaving future negotiations uncertain despite Ukraine's critical role in global mineral supplies. Meanwhile, President Trump has imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China and launched a copper import investigation to address national security risks and reduce reliance on foreign resources.

In the second of a two-part series, Fastmarkets digs into the impact of global conflict on critical material supply chains.

Trump’s steel tariffs aim to boost the US steel industry by taxing imported steel and encouraging domestic production. The goal is to make U.S. steel more competitive globally while addressing national security and trade concerns. However, the tariffs have caused international tension, reshaping trade ties and raising questions about costs for U.S. businesses relying on steel imports.