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Proposal to amend specifications of Fastmarkets US copper cathode premium and all-in price

Following an initial consultation with the market, Fastmarkets is proposing to: The new specifications would be as follows, with amendments in italics: MB-CU-0002 Copper grade 1 cathode premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb Quality: Grade A 99.9935% min copper cathode conforming to LME specifications BS EN 1978:2022 – Cu-CATH-1 or Grade 1 Electrolytic Copper Cathode ATSM B1115-10 Quantity: Min […]

June 13, 2025
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By Rae Boyadjis

Insights
Fastmarkets launches 61% iron ore index to track pricing shifts

The playing field for global iron ore brands could be poised to be leveled, given a recent announcement on lower iron content in a key mainstream Australian direct shipping ore, iron ore market participants told Fastmarkets, adding that the development could narrow the price disparities between major Australian mid-grade iron ore brands.

June 13, 2025
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By Paul Lim, Alice Li, the Fastmarkets team

Insights
Proposal to launch price assessment for stainless steel EU domestic cold-rolled sheet, 2mm, grade 316

The proposed price will expand Fastmarkets’ coverage of the flat stainless steel market in Europe by complementing the price assessment for MB-STS-0281 stainless steel cold-rolled sheet, 2mm, grade 304, transaction domestic, delivered North Europe. The proposal follows preliminary discussions with the market and coincides with a proposal to discontinue the assessment of the base price for […]

June 13, 2025
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Insights
Key raw materials and the cost of fast-moving consumer goods

Fastmarkets’ 2025 outlook for key raw materials and ingredients used in the production and distribution of fast-moving consumer goods.

June 13, 2025
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By the Fastmarkets team

Insights
Proposal to discontinue two stainless steel base price assessments

The proposal follows preliminary discussions with the market and interrogation of existing data collected by Fastmarkets, which suggest that these prices are no longer used by the wider market. Base price trading has been suspended since the end of 2022 due to poor market conditions. In its place, business has been done on a transaction […]

June 13, 2025
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Insights
Corrugated board under pressure: Effects of avian flu in Brazil’s packaging market

Understand the impact of avian flu on Brazil's poultry exports and the packaging sector's critical challenges in the coming months.

June 13, 2025
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By Rafael Barisauskas

Insights
Launch of US rebar to heavy melting scrap differential

This strategic launch is intended to offer the market a single reference price denoting the differential between US Midwest rebar and heavy melting-grade scrap, a key component in the production of that grade. Details of the previous launches can be found via this link. The methodology specification for this differential is: MB-STE-0930 Steel reinforcing bar […]

June 12, 2025
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By Amy Hinton, Dan Hilliard

Insights
Klabin sees softwood as key; core strategy moves away from commodities: CEO interview

Discover how Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer, leads in packaging paper and innovates with its Eukaliner product.

June 12, 2025
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By Marina Faleiros

Insights
Vale Base Metals aiming to join top-five in copper, nickel production – CEO Shaun Usmar says

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.

June 12, 2025
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By James McKeigue

Insights
The state of the North American packaging market 2025

Discover key takeaways from the North American packaging market webinar, essential for supply chain and procurement leaders in 2025.

June 12, 2025
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By Jonathan Rager, Gregory Rudder, Derek Mahlburg

Insights

Top stories across markets

US housing market analysis: Key trends shaping the market

What factors are driving the significant downturn in US housing starts, accompanied by a decrease in building permits?

August 13, 2025

By: the Fastmarkets team

Lithium battery maker Lyten buys further Northvolt assets in Europe

California-based lithium-sulfur battery-maker start-up Lyten has entered a binding agreement to acquire the remaining Swedish and German assets of failed Swedish battery-maker Northvolt, the US company said late on Thursday August 7.

August 13, 2025

By: Viral Shah

US export bulk grade prices steady in August, demand rebound expected in Q4

Explore the latest trends in OCC prices and understand how market factors impact pricing stability this August.

August 13, 2025

By: Megan Workman

CME lithium hydroxide future contract sees record monthly trading volume in July 2025

CME lithium hydroxide futures reached record volumes in July 2025, reflecting strong market momentum and shifting price structures driven by Chinese supply disruptions. Global exchanges are playing a larger role in shaping lithium trading trends.

August 13, 2025

By: Viral Shah

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