Base metals

News, prices and analysis for aluminium, copper, nickel and other non-ferrous metals

Base metals like copper, aluminium, nickel and alumina are some of the world’s most frequently traded commodities. With so many forces bearing down on the base metals market, win-win outcomes for negotiations depend on the depth and breadth of your understanding of the market.

Our global coverage, prices and forecasts give you the critical insights to understand what’s driving volatility and help you minimize risk and predict future trends.

Our team of market experts provides more than 150 base metals prices from across the globe to empower you with the most current market-reflective prices, historical trends and future outlooks. And, as the drive to lower carbon emissions intensifies, Fastmarkets is leading the way with low-carbon aluminium pricing launched in 2021.

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What’s happening in the base metals market?

Get the latest base metals news and market analysis

Cobalt metal sustains price rally; longer-term oversupply challenges loom

Prices for cobalt metal have witnessed a sustained rally and recovery in recent weeks, after hitting lows at the beginning of the year, even while market participants see challenging conditions on the supply side in the longer term

March 22, 2023

Justin Yang

Access World and the non-nickel stones | Hotter Commodities

Glencore’s Gary Nagle might have spoken too soon when he said that his company wouldn’t be hit by a nickel fraud similar to that seen by its rival, Trafigura

March 20, 2023

Andrea Hotter

EC names critical, strategic raw materials under proposed new act

The European Union’s much-anticipated Critical Raw Materials Act, announced on Thursday March 16 by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, has set out new lists of the raw materials now formally designated as strategic and critical

March 17, 2023

Claire Patel-Campbell

LME nickel suits reach at least $581 million | Hotter Commodities

The London Metal Exchange is facing lawsuits seeking damages collectively worth more than half a billion dollars for losses that investors allege they suffered as a result of nickel trades being canceled by the exchange last year

March 17, 2023

Andrea Hotter

European nickel uncut cathode and briquette premiums rise but premiums steady elsewhere

Continued tightness of class one supply within Europe and increased buying interest amid falling London Metal Exchange nickel prices and fresh liquidity have prompted an increase in premiums within Europe, while US and Chinese premiums remain steady for now

March 16, 2023

the Fastmarkets team

China auto output and sales rebound in February on official support

China’s automotive sector output and sales showed double-digit increases on both a monthly and an annual basis in February 2023, thanks to support from local governments as well as carmakers’ own sales promotions, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM)

March 16, 2023

the Fastmarkets team

_{Featured event}
Fastmarkets Bauxite & Alumina Conference 2023

April 3-5, 2023
JW Marriott Marquis, Miami

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November 22, 2021

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November 29, 2021

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April 14, 2022

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November 22, 2021

Events for you

27th Fastmarkets Bauxite & Alumina Conference 2023

You will gain exclusive insights on supply challenges and pricing forecasts. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from industry experts, deep dive into key developments in the raw materials supply, and understand the massive impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the rising energy cost. With so much to discuss, don’t miss us in Miami this April. We look forward to seeing you there.

August 17, 2022

27th Fastmarkets International Iron Ore 2023

Join industry leaders and experts from the iron ore supply chain to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations to hit the international iron ore market.

August 17, 2022

Rows of aluminium cans being sorted at factory

37th Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2023

Join over 400 executives from across the aluminium supply chain for three days of analysis and insights into raw materials, primary and secondary aluminium markets.

August 17, 2022

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