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

Goldcorp founder Rob McEwen is back in the spotlight with a bold bet on copper in Argentina. The $2.5 billion Los Azules project, set to become Argentina’s first major copper mine in over 30 years, is reshaping the country’s mining industry while raising sustainability standards. Positioned as a key player in addressing a global copper shortage, the project highlights innovation, persistence and a commitment to meeting the growing demand from global electrification.

A US court has struck down key reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant unlimited tariff authority. While markets reacted positively, Section 232 duties on steel and aluminium remain in effect, prompting continued uncertainty and a likely appeal by the Trump administration.

President Trump’s endorsement of the $14 billion US Steel and Nippon Steel partnership sparks hopes for innovation and economic growth in manufacturing, but labor unions raise concerns about job security and workplace conditions, leaving stakeholders eager to see how it unfolds.

Discover how big oil is fuelling change in the global electric vehicle (EV) market with the latest episode of Fast Forward podcast

Five key takeaways from our CIPS webinar.

The US aluminium industry is experiencing challenges related to tariffs, which have contributed to higher prices and premiums, raising questions about potential impacts on demand. Alcoa’s CEO has noted that sustained high prices could affect the domestic market. While trade agreements might provide some relief, analysts expect premiums to remain elevated in the near term. However, aluminum demand is projected to grow over the long term, supported by the energy transition and clean energy projects. To meet this demand, the industry will need to increase production, restart idle smelters and address factors such as electricity costs and global competition.

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