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Delayed publication of nickel 4×4 cathode, nickel briquette and nickel uncut cathode premiums in-whs Rotterdam

The publication of Fastmarkets’ assessments for nickel 4×4 cathode, nickel briquette and nickel uncut cathode premiums in-whs Rotterdam was delayed on Tuesday July 16 because of a reporter error.

July 15, 2025
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By James McKeigue

Insights
Correction to alumina index inferred prices on July 15

Fastmarkets has corrected its alumina index inferred prices, which were published incorrectly on Tuesday July 15.

July 15, 2025
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By Fastmarkets Staff

Insights
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

Top stories across markets

Nano One unveils cost-saving agitator for cathode production

Nano One, a Canadian process technology company focused on cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, announced the installation of a proprietary agitator in its 20,000-liter One-Pot reactor based in Candiac, Canada, on August 20.

September 5, 2025

By: Pedro Conterno Rodrigues

Copper elements ready to be used for the production of electric motors

Aurubis obtains 75,000 tpy Canadian copper concentrate from 2028

Aurubis has secured long-term access to 75,000 tonnes per year of copper-gold concentrate from Troilus Gold’s Quebec project starting as early as 2028, as the German smelter responds to what it describes as an “increasingly constrained” market for clean copper concentrate.

September 4, 2025

By: Julienne Raboca

First Quantum Minerals copper production to reach 1.5 mln tpy by 2035, CEO says

Tristan Pascall, chief executive officer of Vancouver-based First Quantum Minerals, gave an exclusive interview with Fastmarkets on Friday August 29, in which he explains why Africa is the best place to build large copper mines, and gave his opinion of the outlook for the nickel, gold and copper sectors.

September 4, 2025

By: James McKeigue

Fastmarkets’ new domestic aluminium billet premium benchmark in Brazil highlights market resilience, reduced import dependence amid tariff changes

Fastmarkets, a leading price reporting agency (PRA) and trusted global commodity provider, is proud to announce the launch of a domestic aluminium billet premium pricing reference for Brazil. Fastmarkets is the first PRA to introduce such a benchmark in Brazil. This is a key advancement as the country’s aluminium market gains greater independence and prominence […]

September 4, 2025

By: Yolande Peters

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