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.

Crude steel, finished steel and hot metal output of the China Iron & Steel Association’s (Cisa) member mills rose to record highs in late July, but steelmakers’ finished steel inventories dropped sharply, according to data released late on Wednesday August 5.

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.

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.

Following initial research and consultation among market participants, Fastmarkets proposes to launch a weekly price assessment for ferro-niobium, delivered consumer works Europe, duty paid.

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.

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.

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.

Import prices for containerized ferrous scrap in the key Taiwanese market slipped further in the week to Friday October 9 ahead of a major holiday in the territory, sources said.