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

Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk once described the ongoing use of fossil fuels and their generation of a vast carbon footprint as “the dumbest experiment in human history.”

London Metal Exchange three-month copper futures hit $10,720 per tonne in May amid disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic and political tensions affecting material supply from mines.

Blockchain technology platform MineHub and digital trade finance network Contour have partnered to integrate their digital metals, mining-focused supply chain, and trade finance technology, the companies said.

The United States plans to “make up for lost time” in the battle against climate change by developing new technologies and investing in the products that will drive the transition to a global, low-carbon economy, according to the country’s Treasury chief, Janet Yellen.

Pilbara Minerals is targeting “mid-stream” lithium salts production to achieve a greener and better supply chain, Dale Henderson, the Australia-listed lithium miner’s chief operating officer, said during an investor meeting on Tuesday May 11.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries feature prominently in US President Joe Biden’s $2-trillion plan to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and economy.

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