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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 5 key stories from May 15

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Friday May 15 that are worth another look.

May 18, 2020
By Generic people page
Base metals Copper

A diversified portfolio may well prove to be a winning ticket for metals and mining companies during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the former chief executive officer of Rio Tinto.

The stainless sector in the United States and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region will consume 13% less nickel this year, while that in China will fall by just 4% versus 2019, according to Nornickel.

Steady demand from China continued to prop up prices in Southeast Asia’s steel billet market over the past week, sources told Fastmarkets on May 15.

Fastmarkets’ Shanghai benchmark copper premium surged to its highest level since September 2015 on May 15, with traders looking for overseas material to tap arbitrage gains. sources said.

The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to lead to another casualty: the mega mine.

What to read next
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May 18, 2026
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May 14, 2026
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By Fastmarkets pricing team
Incorrect publication of Shanghai copper premiums
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May 12, 2026
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Europe’s reliance on copper, aluminium imports exposed as security concerns overtake energy transition
On Wednesday May 6, a critical minerals panel at Commodities Trading Week in London said metals markets are shifting from an energy transition-led narrative toward security of supply, leaving Europe particularly exposed because of its reliance on imports.
May 12, 2026
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By Madeline Morgan
Canada unveils C$1.5 bln financing program to support US tariff-hit metals industry
The Canadian government announced on Tuesday May 4 a new financing program worth C$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) to help mitigate the effect of US metals tariffs and support several of Canada’s tariffed industries.
May 11, 2026
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By Rijuta Dey