US Copper Build-Up Intensifies on Tariff Risk: Hotter Commodities
Copper arbitrage between the LME and CME is tightening as the U.S. Commerce Department prepares a June 30 decision on refined‑copper tariffs. Traders have moved roughly 541,000 short tons of refined copper into CME warehouses, filling New Orleans to about two‑thirds capacity and creating a de‑facto private stockpile. The looming tariff—potentially 15% in 2027 and 30% in 2028—could lock in premiums for holders but also choke new imports, while a reversal would depend on a sustained LME‑CME price spread. Meanwhile, global copper supply faces additional pressure from acid shortages that curb SX‑EW production.
Soybean Price Commentary: Futures Fall on US Tariffs, Bearish Derived and External Markets
U.S. July CME soybean futures dropped 0.71% to $11.21 per bushel, ending the week 5.44% lower, after Washington announced a 12.5% tariff on Chinese imports. The tariff reignited concerns over a recently‑brokered China‑U.S. soybean purchase agreement and prompted fears of...
Mexico-EU Agreement May Boost Steel Trade, but US to Remain Mexico’s Preferred Partner
Mexico and the European Union signed a modernized trade pact covering roughly €100 billion ($117 billion) in annual trade, opening new avenues for Mexican steel exporters. While the agreement expands diversification options, the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA) still channels the bulk of...
Energy up, Output Down, Demand Weak; Europe’s Aluminium Squeeze
European aluminium producers are grappling with persistently high energy costs that have forced many smelters to curtail output, driving regional production down roughly 44% year‑over‑year. While supply remains tight—Middle‑East facilities run at half capacity and some global plants are on...
European Biofuel Feedstock Price Spreads Widen as Gasoil Drops by $138/T Week on Week
Fastmarkets reported a $138 per tonne drop in European gasoil to $1,029/t, the steepest weekly decline. The fall widened key feedstock‑to‑gasoil spreads, with the rapeseed‑oil‑gasoil (ROGO) spread expanding to $454/t after rapeseed oil rose to $1,483/t. Palm oil prices climbed...
Wheat Price Commentary: US and European Futures Fall; Global Trade Quiet
US soft red winter wheat futures slipped 13 cents to $6.11 per bushel, while European Euronext contracts fell €2.75 (≈$3) to €207.50‑$216 per tonne. Trade activity was notably quiet, with sellers holding firm despite weaker futures. Russia lifted its 2025/26 export...
Correction to European Aluminium PFA Prices Published in Error on May 22
Fastmarkets corrected a pricing error in its European primary foundry aluminium (PFA) premiums that were initially published on May 22. The German and Eastern Europe ingot premiums were mistakenly listed at $1,000‑$1,100 per tonne; the revised figures are $950‑$1,050 per tonne...
EU Demand for Ukrainian Steel Holds Firm Despite CBAM Pressure, but Wartime Supply Challenges Persist
European steel buyers have kept purchasing Ukrainian steel at pre‑CBAM levels despite the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism adding an estimated $60‑90 per tonne cost. Metinvest reported a 12% drop in hot‑metal output and a 20% decline in crude‑steel production...
The Pentagon’s Mineral Reckoning
The U.S. Department of Defense now treats critical minerals as a core component of national security, recognizing that modern weapons systems rely on rare inputs such as rare earths, lithium and cobalt. A widening gap between soaring defense‑related demand and...
How European Automotive OEMs Use Independent Market Benchmarks to Defend Margins Under CBAM and EU ETS Pressure
European automotive OEMs are turning to independent market benchmarks to manage the rising carbon costs embedded in steel, aluminium, batteries and other inputs. The EU's Fit for 55 package, CBAM and the EU ETS are shifting emissions pricing from compliance...
US Automotive Production Steadies, but Structural Shifts Set to Redefine Steel Demand
U.S. light‑vehicle production has stabilized around 10 million units per year, sustaining flat‑rolled steel demand that accounts for roughly a quarter of domestic steel consumption. While overall output remains below pre‑COVID peaks, forecasts show a gradual rise to 11‑12 million units by...
Scrap Moves to the Fore in Japan as Steel Decarbonisation Plans Progress
Japan’s steel sector is accelerating its shift from blast furnaces to electric‑arc furnaces (EAF), making ferrous scrap a cornerstone of decarbonisation. Mitsui & Co and recycler Ibokin signed an MOU to tighten scrap quality, traceability and supply chains, while the...
Increased Pallet Production Costs Pressuring Buyers
US softwood GMA pallet prices recorded their steepest rise in years during April, spurred by a targeted buyer‑education campaign that highlighted escalating low‑grade lumber costs. The surge was most pronounced early in the month, buoyed by seasonal freight demand, before...
South Korea Launches $54 Bln Industrial Support Package, Including Steel Sector
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission pledged an ₩80 trillion ($54 bn) industrial support package, with a focus on the steel sector, to ease liquidity strains caused by soaring freight rates and Middle‑East supply‑chain disruptions. The plan combines a ₩53 trillion ($41 bn) private‑sector loan...
Strait of Hormuz Impact on Russian Pulp, Paper Industry – Domestic Producers
A near‑total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has sharply reduced maritime traffic, pushing up global raw‑material and energy costs. Russian pulp and paper producers say the price surge creates a rare window to boost export profitability, especially to China,...
What’s Driving Scrap Steel Prices Right Now | Fast Forward Market Briefing Transcript
Scrap steel prices are rising globally, but the gains are driven mainly by cost‑push factors rather than stronger demand. Higher oil, bunker fuel and freight costs linked to the Middle East conflict have increased landed scrap costs, especially for import‑heavy...
Europe’s Green Steel Push Hits Hydrogen Wall
Europe’s low‑emission steel transition is now limited by hydrogen availability and cost. Projects with strong hydrogen ambitions cluster around low‑cost renewable power in Northern Europe and Spain, while many producers adopt flexible DRI‑EAF units that can switch between hydrogen and...
US-China Summit: Policy, Trade Developments Last Week Cloud Outlook for Global Biofuel Feedstock Markets
During a two‑day summit on May 14‑15, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled a willingness to re‑engage on trade, including agricultural commodities. However, no concrete commitments on soybean purchases or tariff adjustments were announced, leaving soybean,...
How the Iran Conflict Pushed Atlantic Grain Freight to a Four-Year High
The US‑Iran conflict has pushed Atlantic Panamax grain freight to its highest levels in four years, with rates on the US Gulf‑Northeast Asia lane reaching $70.75 per tonne and Brazil‑Northeast Asia at $54 per tonne. Bunker fuel prices have surged...
Launch of NCM Cathode Black Powder Payables, CIF China: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets introduced the first payables indicators for nickel‑cobalt‑manganese (NCM) cathode black powder, CIF China, on May 13. The new pricing suite links the material’s value to a percentage of the LME nickel cash price and Fastmarkets’ standard‑grade cobalt price, reflecting...
Europe’s Reliance on Copper, Aluminium Imports Exposed as Security Concerns Overtake Energy Transition
Europe remains heavily dependent on imported copper and aluminium, with domestic processing capacity covering only a fraction of demand. Recent disruptions and widening deficits have pushed European copper premiums to $120‑150 per tonne and aluminium extrusion premiums above $1,200 per...
Publication of Fastmarkets’ Steel Scrap No1 Busheling, Delivered Mill Chicago Assessment on Monday May 11, 2026
Fastmarkets published its latest No1 busheling steel scrap price for the delivered‑mill Chicago market on Monday, May 11, 2026. The price is included in the firm’s North America ferrous scrap assessment package and follows the company’s standardized methodology. The release...
Fastmarkets Extends Consultation on Proposal to Launch Price Assessment for Tungsten Unwrought Metal Bar, CIF Main Ports Europe, US, Japan
Fastmarkets has extended the consultation on its proposed price assessment for unwrought tungsten metal bars to May 26, with a decision slated for May 29. The new index would price 99.8% pure tungsten bars on a CIF basis to major ports in...
Delayed Publication of Germanium Dioxide China Price Assessment: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets announced that its May 8, 2026 Germanium dioxide, in‑warehouse China price (MB‑GER‑0006) was published late due to a reporter error, with the corrected data released on May 11. The pricing database has been updated, and the delayed price is part of the...
Correction to Zircon, Premium Grade, 66.5% ZrO2 Min, Bulk, Cif China, Price on May 7: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets corrected its price assessment for premium‑grade zircon (66.5% ZrO₂ minimum) CIF China, originally posted at $1,600‑$1,700 per tonne. The accurate range is $1,600‑$1,670 per tonne, and the pricing database has been updated. The correction is part of Fastmarkets’ industrial...
Wheat Prices Mixed Across Regions and Soybean Markets Relatively Quiet Amid Chinese Holiday
European wheat futures slipped, pulling spot premiums lower while physical premiums held steady across France, Germany and the Baltics. Australian wheat remained firm, with assessments climbing to $277 per tonne amid dry conditions in New South Wales and Queensland. In...
Delayed Publication of Fastmarkets’ North American Ferrous Scrap Prices for May
Fastmarkets, which normally publishes North American ferrous scrap prices by the 10th of each month, announced a delay for the May data set. The postponement stems from ongoing negotiations between buyers and sellers and the fact that the 10th falls...
Correction to European Wheat and CVB Wheat Forward Curve Premiums and Outright Prices for September 1st-October 3rd, 2025
Fastmarkets issued a correction for European wheat and CVB wheat forward curve premiums and outright prices covering the September 1 to October 3, 2025 period. The notice lists 14 affected symbols, including FOB contracts for France, Germany, the Baltic, Poland, and Black Sea...
Fastmarkets Clarifies Inclusion of Government-Set Benchmark Pricing in Indonesia Nickel Ore Assessment
Fastmarkets clarified its pricing methodology for Indonesian nickel ore after the government revised the HPM benchmark formula. The new decree, effective April 15, raised the corrective factor for 1.6% nickel ore to 30%, added cobalt, iron and chromium, and switched...
EU Pulp Mills Face Multi-Billion Carbon Shift as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Emerges
EU pulp mills that have decarbonised by switching to biomass have built up a €4.5 billion (≈$4.9 billion) surplus of free EU ETS allowances, turning the carbon market into a revenue stream. A new EU rule effective Jan 1 2026 removes plants with more...
Fastmarkets Proposes to Raise Frequency of Normalization Coefficient for Daily Iron Ore Indices: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets has proposed moving the normalization coefficient for its Iron ore 61% Fe fines and 62% Fe fines CFR Qingdao indices from a monthly to a daily update cycle. The change is intended to better mirror rapid intra‑month price movements...
US Corn Gluten Meal and Feed Prices Hold Steady, While DDGS Exports Reach 3-Month High
U.S. corn gluten meal and broader feed prices held steady despite mixed market signals, while grain futures slipped across the board. July corn futures fell to $4.80 per bushel, pressured by rapid planting progress and lower crude oil prices. Dried...
Increased Supply and Uneven Demand Keeps Pressure on Bloodmeal Markets
Bloodmeal prices have slumped sharply as abundant supply meets tepid demand. Fastmarkets reports the ruminant bloodmeal FOB Missouri River fell 38% year‑over‑year to $826.79 per short ton in April, while porcine bloodmeal FOB Iowa/Missouri/Nebraska dropped 31% to $917.26 per ton....
China’s Weekly Soybean Crush Volume Stable at 1.62 Million Tonnes Ahead of Labor Day Holiday: NFSRDC
China's soybean crushing activity held steady at 1.62 million tonnes in the week to May 1, matching the previous week and remaining above last year’s level. Imported soybean inventories at major crush plants rose to 4.93 million tonnes, while soybean meal and oil...
Fastmarkets to Discontinue Three European Seamless and Welded Tube and Pipe Prices
Fastmarkets announced it will discontinue three European tube and pipe price indices—MB-STE-0807, MB-STE-0808, and MB-STE-0809—after receiving no market feedback during its consultation. The firm initially proposed dropping eight prices across Europe and India but will retain five after stakeholder input,...
Glencore Q1: African Copper Cathode Surges 68%, Cobalt Production Falls 39% Y-O-Y
Glencore reported a 68% surge in copper cathode output from its African DRC assets in Q1 2026, while cobalt production dropped 39% year‑on‑year as the company complies with the DRC’s new export quota. The Antamina joint venture in Peru became...
How Project Vault Is Being Built: Hotter Commodities
Project Vault, backed by up to $10 billion from the U.S. Export‑Import Bank, creates a privately governed, demand‑aggregation platform for critical‑minerals inventory. By pooling OEM commitments and allowing trading houses to provide financing and logistics, the structure shifts inventory risk off...
End of Open Consultation on Methodology for Ferro-Molybdenum In-Whs Rotterdam; Molybdic Oxide In-Whs Rotterdam, Busan
Fastmarkets closed its open consultation on April 27 for the pricing methodology of ferro‑molybdenum (65% Mo) and drummed molybdic oxide (57% Mo) in Rotterdam and Busan. The review covered price specifications, calculation formulas, and publication frequency to align with IOSCO...
US Steel HRC Supply Fears Get ‘No Comment’ From Mills, Legislators
U.S. hot‑rolled coil (HRC) buyers are confronting acute short‑term supply constraints as imports plunged 57% year‑on‑year to just 215,000 tonnes in the first four months of 2026, while spring maintenance outages kept at least three domestic mills out of the...
HRC Rally Pushes US Galvalume Price up by $30/T in April Despite Soft Demand
US Galvalume prices jumped $30 per ton to $1,130 in April, a gain driven solely by a hot‑rolled coil (HRC) rally rather than underlying coated‑steel demand. Domestic Galvalume demand stayed flat to down as residential construction slowed and distributors struggled...
Launch of High-Grade Iron Ore VIU Indices for Silica, Alumina Content, Cfr Qingdao: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets has launched two new high‑grade iron ore Value‑In‑Use (VIU) indices for silica and alumina content, priced cfr Qingdao. The indices, MB‑IRO‑0194 (silica) and MB‑IRO‑0195 (alumina), apply to cargoes with ≥65% Fe and silica 0.5‑8.5% or alumina 0.01‑1.5%, using regression...
Correction to Steel Hot-Rolled Coil Import, Cfr Main Port Southern Europe Price on April 29
Fastmarkets issued a correction for its EU hot‑rolled coil import price, changing the range from €554‑652 to €590‑652 per tonne (approximately $643‑$711). The pricing database has been updated to reflect the accurate figures. The notice invites market participants to provide...
Fastmarkets Launches European Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) FOB Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp Outright and Premium Prices: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets has introduced a suite of eight new price assessments for European hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) FOB Amsterdam‑Rotterdam‑Antwerp, covering outright, premium‑to‑ULSD and gross‑margin spreads across four feedstock categories (crop, used cooking oil, tallow and palm‑oil‑mill effluent). The launch coincides with...
Critical Minerals Boom Boosts Growth-Stage Juniors | Hotter Commodities
Capital is pouring back into junior mining, but the surge is skewed toward development‑stage assets that are nearer to production. In 2025 the TSX and TSXV together raised more than $33 billion in equity, a 60% jump from the prior year,...
Fastmarkets Discontinues Its Weekly Assessments of Two European Prices for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Effective April 30, 2026
Fastmarkets announced it will cease publishing its weekly AC‑SAF‑0006 and AG‑SAF‑0007 price assessments for sustainable aviation fuel in the Netherlands, effective April 30, 2026. The move follows the Dutch Emissions Authority’s decision to end the HBE‑IXB renewable fuel credits that were embedded...
The Role of a PRA in Strategic Cost Management for Food and Beverage Packaging
Food and beverage packaging procurement faces rising cost volatility due to geopolitical disruptions, energy price spikes, and logistics bottlenecks. A Price Reporting Agency (PRA) such as Fastmarkets provides independent, market‑reflective price assessments for materials like corrugated board, aluminum, and pallets....
Fastmarkets Launches Used Cooking Oil, FOB Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent
Fastmarkets has introduced a daily price index for used cooking oil (UCO) FOB Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Ghent, reflecting growing demand for waste‑based biofuel feedstocks in Europe. In 2024, waste‑derived inputs reached 9 million tonnes, with UCO representing 24 percent of biofuel...
Fastmarkets Launches Crude Palm Oil Mill Effluent, CIF Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, $/Tonne on Thursday April 30
Fastmarkets announced a new weekly price assessment for crude palm oil mill effluent (POME) delivered CIF to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp, quoted in US dollars per tonne. The launch comes as EU demand for waste‑based biofuel feedstocks has surged to...
Understanding Pulp Price Types and What They Measure
The article breaks down the five core pulp price types—list, effective list (gross), spot, net and resale—explaining what each measures and where it fits in the pricing hierarchy. It highlights how list prices are initial asks, while effective list prices...
Delayed Publication of Green Steel, Differential to Steel Reinforcing Bar (Rebar) Domestic, Delivered Northern Europe
Fastmarkets has postponed the release of its MB-STE-0926 assessment, which tracks the price differential between green steel and standard reinforcing bar (rebar) for domestic deliveries in Northern Europe. The data point is part of the company’s steel metals pricing package...