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US copper scrap industry needs export controls, PMR CEO says | Hotter Commodities

The United States' copper recycling industry is ramping up pressure on policymakers to impose some form of export controls on high-purity copper scrap, arguing that current trade dynamics – particularly with China – are distorting prices, weakening domestic capacity and undermining national security goals.

July 15, 2025
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By Andrea Hotter

Insights
Decision to suspend amendment of cobalt standard grade, in-whs Rotterdam price

After an initial one-and-a-half-month consultation, followed by a further three-month consultation period on the proposed inclusion of a powder brand, and following market feedback and data analysis, Fastmarkets has determined that current market circumstances do not make the proposed amendment to the cobalt standard grade, in-whs Rotterdam, daily price assessment viable. This decision is not a judgement on the […]

July 15, 2025
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By Alexander Cook

Insights
Launch of Indonesia nickel ore prices: pricing notice

Fastmarkets launched two new price assessments for Indonesia’s domestic trade in nickel ore on Tuesday July 15. The two price assessments are for domestic trades of Indonesian laterite ores with 1.6% and 1.2% nickel content. Indonesia now accounts for 60% of the global nickel supplies and while there is an official government reference price, known […]

July 15, 2025
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By Dylan Duan, Laura Li

Insights
US copper scrap markets look to transition to LME vs COMEX

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.

July 15, 2025
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By Kirstyn Petras

Insights
Proposal to launch nickel pig iron CIF China price assessment: pricing notice

Nickel pig iron (NPI) is a key feedstock material used for stainless steel production, and the CIF has grown to become one of the mainstream trading methods for the Chinese market. The proposed price assessment will allow Fastmarkets to bring more transparency to the Chinese NPI market. Fastmarkets has been tracking spot and DDP China […]

July 15, 2025
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By Dylan Duan, Laura Li

Insights
DRC cobalt export ban: When will market tightness hit?

In the weeks following confirmation that the cobalt market will face an additional three months of no exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), metal prices have consolidated as participants point to the future for bullish sentiment.

July 15, 2025
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By Alexander Cook

Insights
Proposal to discontinue US copper rod premium price assessment: pricing notice

The proposal follows preliminary discussions with the market and internal analysis of price usage, which suggests low market liquidity and a lack of demand. Specifically, Fastmarkets is proposing to discontinue: MB-CU-0410 Copper rod premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lbQuality: Purity of 99.95-99.99%. Thicknesses of 8 millimeters or 0.3125 inchesQuantity: Min 25,000 poundsLocation: Delivered US MidwestUnit: US […]

July 15, 2025
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By Rae Boyadjis

Insights
Decision to amend specifications of US copper cathode premium, all-in price

After a month-long consultation period, Fastmarkets is amending the below specifications, following no negative feedback from market participants and internal data analysis. The following changes will take place: The new specifications are 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 […]

July 14, 2025
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By Rae Boyadjis

Insights
Delayed publication of aluminium P1020A (MJP) spot premium

The publication of the affected price was delayed for 3 hours and 8 mins. The affected price was: MB-AL-0343 Aluminium P1020A (MJP) spot premium, cif Japan, $ per tonne This price is a part of the Fastmarkets aluminium Asia-Japan package. For more information, or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price, or if […]

July 14, 2025
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By Sayaka Kurata

Insights
Trump’s tariff on US imports from Brazil could profoundly affect pulp market

Explore the implications of the 50% tariff on the pulp market, impacting trade dynamics and costs for industries reliant on pulp.

July 14, 2025
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By Jorge Barbosa

Insights

Top stories across markets

Navigating the critical minerals supply chain challenge | Fast Forward

Geology not ideology: Why collaboration is key in the critical minerals supply chain

October 1, 2025

By: the Fastmarkets team

Huge zinc stocks withdrawals ‘warehouse games’ amid sluggish demand

LME zinc stocks have fallen to their lowest levels since April 2023 but traders suggest the withdrawals are driven more by warehouse activity and speculation than genuine demand. Meanwhile, Europe’s sluggish consumption contrasts with swelling inventories in China.

September 30, 2025

By: Felix Njini

Fastmarkets launches first independent US pallet pricing and intelligence service

Fastmarkets, a global leader in price reporting and market intelligence, has launched its US wood pallet prices, news and analytics service. This is the first comprehensive solution providing transparent pricing and forecasts for this critical but underserved part of the logistics sector. Wood pallets are the backbone of supply chains. They move goods across industries […]

September 30, 2025

By: Yolande Peters

Key insights on US bleached and unbleached kraft paper markets: How sustainability goals are impacting demand

Delve into the volatility of US kraft paper demand, examining growth trends for bleached versus unbleached kraft papers.

September 29, 2025

By: Paula Reis

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