EUROPE WIRE ROD: Northern Europe prices down on poor demand

The price of mesh-quality steel wire rod in the Northern European domestic market decreased this week because of poor demand, sources told Fastmarkets on Wednesday September 4. Fastmarkets’ weekly price assessment for steel wire rod (mesh-quality), domestic, delivered Northern Europe, was €470-500 ($515-548) per tonne on Wednesday, down by €10-15 per tonne. Underlying consumption of…

Ministry of Natural Resources confirms effectiveness of MMK’s environmental programme to improve air quality in Magnitogorsk

Magnitogorsk has been excluded from the list of cities with the most polluted air in 2018, according to a report by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Thanks to MMK’s large-scale environmental programme, the Comprehensive Air-quality Index (CAI) indicator for the city will be reduced to a low level by 2025. The draft…

Material Matters: Nickel, Met Coal & Iron Ore

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities. Indonesia's nickel export ban; metallurgical coal; and iron ore. -Severe market tightness may not eventuate despite Indonesia's nickel ore export ban -China may no longer be the marginal setter of seaborne coking coal prices -Iron ore likely to remain in deficit over 2019 Nickel…

SOUTHERN EUROPE REBAR: Prices widen downward on lower scrap costs, weak exports

The price range for steel rebar in the domestic market in Southern Europe widened downward this week with decreasing ferrous scrap prices and falling demand for exports from customers in Northern Europe, sources told Fastmarkets on Wednesday September 4. Fastmarkets’ weekly price assessment for steel reinforcing bar (rebar), domestic, delivered Southern Europe, was €460-485 ($504-531)…

China’s Hebei province’s Aug steel PMI weakens

Singapore — The steel purchasing managers' index published by northern China's Hebei province fell 0.4 basis points from the previous month to 47 points, out of 100, in August, indicating the underlying softness of China's steel market. It was the fourth consecutive monthly drop, according to the latest data released by the Hebei Metallurgical Industry…