The Metal Bulletin news team preview base metals in 2017

Metal Bulletin's price reporters look forward to the major issues and industry trends that face the base metals industry in 2017.

December 22, 2016

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Base metals Copper

Below are a number of recently published pieces by Metal Bulletin looking forward to the major issues and industry trends that face the base metals industry in 2017. Their regular news and opinions pieces are usually published on the FastMarkets Professional platform as part of our base metals news service. The below news stories are all available on the FastMarkets.com website.

To see our complete news coverage, please click her to take a free trial of FastMarkets Professional. 2017 Metals Preview

Will zinc win popularity contest again or lose to nickel next year?
by Perrine Faye

LME to benefit from volatility surge in ‘structural shift’
By Kathleen Retourne

Japanese aluminium buyers will increase spot exposure in supply contracts
By Ian Walker

Physical trading platforms a new pricing battlefield in China
by Kiki Kang

Copper market preference wavers between benchmark and spot
by Kiki Kang

LME copper longs may tire in Q1; shorting seen as risky
By Kathleen Retourne

Can commodities benefit from China’s real estate curbs?
By Andrea Hotter

Indonesia, Philippines supply issues take centre stage in nickel
by Vivian Teo

Ali premiums could spike again on dwindling availability in Europe
By Jethro Wookey

Zhuzhou makes good on production cuts as Chinese zinc smelters feel the pinch
By Archie Hunter

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What to read next

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June 4, 2025

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Ambitious investment in scrap-intensive sectors a boon for Mexican non-ferrous secondary markets

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.

June 3, 2025

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By Amy Hinton

copper mine

Goldcorp founder Rob McEwen bets big on Argentine copper

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.

June 3, 2025

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Launch of high-grade nickel matte payable indicator

Fastmarkets has launched MB-NI-0257, high-grade nickel matte payable indicator, 65-75% nickel contained, cif China, % of official exchange price on Friday May 30.

May 30, 2025

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By Dylan Duan

Delayed publication of Aluminium P1020A premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb, on May 29

The following price was affected: MB-AL-0020 Aluminium P1020A premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb. This price is a part of the Fastmarkets Base Metals package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price or if you would like to provide price information by becoming a data submitter to this price, please […]

May 29, 2025

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By Ana Enis

US aluminium demand destruction

The US aluminium industry debates demand destruction following tariffs

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.

May 21, 2025

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By Yasemin Esmen