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Iron ore feels price pain of potential decline in Australian ore quality, US-China tariff war

Several key developments will determine how the global iron ore market performs in the coming months, sources told Fastmarkets this week: uncertainty over China-US trade tensions; the likelihood of Chinese crude steel production cuts; the declining quality and premiums for mid-grade ore from Australia; and the increased use of lower-grade iron.

May 16, 2025
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By Alice Li

Insights
Battery raw materials market update May 2025

Read Fastmarkets' monthly battery raw materials market update for May 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more

May 16, 2025
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By the Fastmarkets team

Insights
Clarification of global lithium methodology

To increase transparency, Fastmarkets has further clarified how it handles price movements during periods of low liquidity. Factors that Fastmarkets may consider during times of low liquidity include, but are not limited to: market fundamentals such as changes in inventory levels, shipments, operating rates and export volumes; relative fundamentals of similar commodities in the same […]

May 15, 2025
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By Grace Asenov

Insights
Final decision on open consultation on annual methodology review for PIX Packaging GCC (Middle East) Indices

Fastmarkets invited feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for PIX Packaging GCC indices via an open consultation process between April 16 and May 14, 2025. This consultation was done as part of our published annual methodology review process. Full details of the prices covered by this consultation can be found here. No feedback […]

May 15, 2025
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By Fastmarkets FOEX

Insights
Can US federal land offset imported Canadian timber products?

Learn how timber imports affect the US economy regarding Canadian softwood lumber and future trade policies.

May 15, 2025
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By Austin Lamica

Insights
Open consultation on annual methodology review for PIX Forest Biomass Finland indices

Fastmarkets is inviting feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for the PIX Forest Biomass Finland price indices, as part of its announced annual methodology review process. This consultation, which is open until June 12, 2025, seeks to ensure that our methodologies continue to reflect the physical market under indexation, in compliance with the […]

May 15, 2025
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By Fastmarkets Forest Products

Insights
Delayed publication of alumina index, fob Australia

The publication of the following price was delayed for 10 minutes: MB-ALU-0002 Alumina index, fob Australia, $/tonne 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 […]

May 14, 2025
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By James McKeigue

Insights
What we learned at Fastmarkets’ Mexico Metals Outlook 2025

The Mexico Metals Outlook 2025 conference explored challenges and opportunities in the steel, aluminum and scrap markets, focusing on tariffs, nearshoring, capacity growth and global trends.

May 14, 2025
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By Amy Hinton, Grace Asenov, Dan Hilliard

Insights
Delayed publication of cobalt alloy grade, standard grade prices

The publication of the affected prices was delayed for 17 minutes. The following metal prices were affected: MB-CO-0004 Cobalt alloy grade, in-whs Rotterdam, $/lb MB-CO-0005 Cobalt standard grade, in-whs Rotterdam, $/lb These prices are a part of the Fastmarkets minor metals price package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price […]

May 14, 2025
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By Sofia Okun

Insights
Smuggling of antimony: China launches crackdown

China has launched a coordinated crackdown on the illegal export of strategic minerals under export control, such as antimony, gallium, germanium, tungsten and rare earths, the country’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday May 9.

May 14, 2025
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By Xiaoying Du

Insights

Top stories across markets

COP 30 CEO, Ana Toni, to deliver keynote address at Fastmarkets Latin America Carbon Forum

Fastmarkets, a global leader in providing independent, transparent pricing and economic insights across key commodity sectors, is excited to announce that Ana Toni, CEO of COP 30, will deliver the keynote address at the Latin America Carbon Forum this August in São Paulo. Fastmarkets’ Latin America Carbon Forum emphasizes the importance of actionable dialogue and […]

July 24, 2025

By: Yolande Peters

Indian import ferrous scrap demand faces recurrent threat from cheaper metallics in 2025

India’s ferrous scrap imports have rebounded in early 2025 but remain vulnerable due to competitive domestic DRI prices and shifting sourcing strategies by steelmakers. While near-term demand is subdued, long-term prospects depend on evolving supply chains and policy decisions.

July 23, 2025

By: Lee Allen

Lethargic sales in most framing lumber markets despite anticipation of increased duties on imports from Canada

Explore the latest trends in lumber markets as vacation time and economic uncertainty impact sales and trading activity.

July 23, 2025

By: Joe Pruski

Corn futures commentary: US futures down amid projected steady conditions

US corn futures opened the week on Monday July 21 lower amid continued crop development and expectations for overall favorable growing conditions.

July 22, 2025

By: Fastmarket team

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