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.
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The graphite industry in 2025 faces major challenges, including trade wars, high US tariffs on synthetic graphite and policy changes affecting EV manufacturing and tax credits. Low natural graphite prices, oversupply and slow EV growth make diversifying supply chains essential for market stability.
At Fastmarkets’ International Iron Ore & Green Steel Summit 2025, we expect topics such as iron ore pricing trends, green steel developments and growing demand for high-grade pellets to emerge. The event will address decarbonization, Europe’s green steel growth and shifts in scrap and pellet markets driven by supply and cost changes.
Seaborne iron ore prices are on the rise due to increased trading activity and stable market fundamentals, highlighting steady demand and opportunities for growth while emphasizing the importance of monitoring market trends to manage risks effectively.
The recent doubling of Section 232 tariffs to 50%, announced by President Trump, has introduced significant uncertainty to the US steel market, with traders reporting disruptions to imports, paused domestic mill quotes and concerns over potential price increases amid modest demand. Industry participants are now assessing how the additional costs will be absorbed across the supply chain.
Mexico’s strategic role in automotive nearshoring is fueling demand for recycled aluminium, with investment in scrap-intensive sectors boosting its non-ferrous secondary markets. Despite tariff uncertainties, USMCA compliance and EV production growth continue to attract global manufacturers.
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.
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