Supply chains spotlight

How supply chain disruptions and changing trade flows are impacting commodity markets

The complexities and opacity of global supply chains impact all commodity markets. The drive towards a low-carbon, sustainable future is giving rise to a new generation of markets with vastly different supply chains that pose new challenges and opportunities for all market participants.

We’ve seen not only how labor shortages due to the Covid-19 pandemic have affected the global production and distribution of metals and mining as well as forest products, but also how Russia’s war on Ukraine has vastly altered the movement of grains and oilseeds.

For new generation energy markets, recent policy changes and new regulations on the nearshoring of battery materials are adding a new layer of complexity to this supply chain.

If you’re interested in talking to us about how our insights and intelligence can help you create supply chain efficiency and transparency, get in contact today.

Read the latest news and analysis on supply chain issues

India’s ferrous scrap imports have rebounded in early 2025 but remain vulnerable due to competitive domestic DRI prices and shifting sourcing strategies by steelmakers. While near-term demand is subdued, long-term prospects depend on evolving supply chains and policy decisions.

In a move received with optimism from industry experts, the One Big Beautiful Bill allocates billions in federal funding to bolster the US critical minerals sector through multiple venues, signaling strong government support for domestic production and supply chain resilience. Market participants expect the demand effect from the introduction of timelines on 45X and repealing of 30D credits to be limited.

US copper scrap market participants are shifting from COMEX to LME pricing in response to extreme price volatility and a new 50% copper import tariff. The change is influencing discount formulas, export strategies and long-term trading dynamics across the sector.

Despite the current headwinds, strategic partnerships and continued investment in the right areas, coupled with the underlying strong long-term demand fundamentals, will pave the way for success for lithium producers, according to the participants of the executive panel during the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference, which took place from June 23-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The US and Europe must adopt long-term, consistent policies and should learn lessons from China, according to lithium industry experts speaking at Fastmarkets’ Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas, US, over June 22-25.

Vale Base Metals plans to boost annual copper production to 700,000 tonnes by 2035, aiming to become a top-five global producer of nickel and copper. CEO Shaun Usmar highlights a focus on productivity, cost optimization and sustainable growth. With strong assets in Canada and Brazil, Vale is well-positioned to meet rising global demand.

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