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Japan’s Import Premiums for Primary Aluminum Collapse
Primary aluminum import premiums in Japan have seen a sharp decline in Q3 2025. The Q3 premium was set at $108/mt over the London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price, for CIF delivery to major Japanese ports. This is a 40.66% decline from the Q2 premium of $182/mt. The Q3...
Domestic Demand Down, Production Up: The Double Paradox of Chinese Steel
In May 2025, apparent steel demand in China slowed further, according to market analysis collected on June 25. Market participants expect the downward trend to continue in July, as Chinese steelmakers show little inclination to cut production despite a pressured...
Antofagasta Shocks Market: Offers Zero-Dollar Copper Treatments to Chinese Smelters
Chilean Antofagasta, a major global copper producer, has shocked the market by offering zero-dollar copper concentrate treatment and refining (TC/RCs) for some 2025 supplies to Chinese smelters, three industry sources with direct knowledge of the deal said on Friday,...
Steel, Tariffs and Diplomacy: US and Mexico Close to Deal, but Middle East Slows Down
The United States and Mexico are close to a trade deal on the 50% tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum under Section 232, according to Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. However, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are temporarily freezing the dialogue. At...