Base metals

News, prices and analysis for aluminium, copper, nickel and other base 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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Prices of gold and silver have surged so far in 2024, leading to more popularity for copper, zinc and lead concentrate containing higher levels of these precious metal to profit from the rising value of the byproduct, Fastmarkets has learned.

Record-high prices for refined copper metal and a shortage of copper concentrates have caught the attention of investors. Bringing new, large-scale supply to the market is not simple or quick, but brownfield expansions and scrap supply may offer a quicker response

The base metals complex has been on a climb on futures exchanges globally but the surge is not reflected in physical markets, with buyers generally staying out of the market due to elevated prices, sources told Fastmarkets

Sources from across the copper concentrate industry told Fastmarkets that some miners are becoming more cautious of their counterparty risk – the risk that the other party in a transaction may not fulfill its part of the deal – with copper concentrate terms being agreed as far out as 2028.

Supply disruption and financial speculation helped most base metals prices hit 2024 highs in the week to Friday May 24, yet demand remains mostly muted

The three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange has slumped significantly since hitting an all-time high of $11,104.50 per tonne on Monday May 20

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Our price coverage for the base metals market
Base metals prices are the foundation for important decisions within your organization. We provide more than 150 base metal prices, including industry benchmarks from across the globe. Our price coverage can help your organization to evaluate risk, optimize your purchasing strategy, negotiate in both physical and financial contracts and make the right decision every time.
Find a base metals price
    • Copper scrap radiators, buying price, delivered to brass ingot makers, US cents/lb
    • Copper scrap No1 copper, buying price, delivered to refiners, US cents/lb
    • Copper scrap No2 copper, buying price, delivered to brass ingot makers, US cents/lb

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