Fastmarkets proposes to change the publication time of its Latin American steel price assessments to Friday at 2-3pm New York time from Friday 2-3pm London time.

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of ferrous scrap in many key supply locations, provoking a 21% rise in international scrap prices in just 12 days from April 3 to April 15. But despite this, domestic prices in many areas were settled lower in April’s monthly negotiations.

Fastmarkets is extending the consultation period for discontinuation of four steel-sector price assessments in Argentina following a long period of low liquidity and an inactive spot market.

The Spanish steel industry has demanded clarification from the government following a March 29 decree to shut down all non-essential production as part of the battle to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, Fastmarkets heard on Tuesday March 31.

Spot import prices for containerized ferrous scrap into Taiwan hit a historical high in the week to Friday December 11, because of delays to shipments from the United States West Coast, sources told Fastmarkets this week.

Fastmarkets’ 62% Fe iron ore fines index just experienced its most volatile week on record: a biggest-ever daily gain of $18.31 on Monday May 10 came before a new high of $237.57 per tonne on May 12, followed by a record daily loss of $28.78 on May 14.

Prices for steel scrap across Asian markets have plummeted in recent days due to weak sentiment and buyers abstaining from purchases, market participants told Fastmarkets on Friday January 22.

Demand for ferrous scrap imports in Vietnam faded toward the latter part of this week after sellers raised their offers from Thursday May 21 onward.

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Wednesday July 8 that are worth another look.

Chinese domestic prices suffer heavy falls on building steel inventory levels and persistent first-quarter demand worries, with rebar facing the toughest challenge.