Of particular interest this week:
China: – industrial output – signs of an emerging consumer economy
SUMMARY
Copper Chilean output forecast to increase at modest growth rates.
Nickel More than 60% of Ni operations (globally) are cashflow negative.
Zinc & Lead With closure of Century, MMG’s metal mix is shifting from Zn to Cu.
Tin Chinese tin smelters to submit to closures for environmental inspections.
Aluminium Norsk Hydro forecasts 4-5% Al demand growth this year.
Gold Kalgoorlie Superpit interest for sale.
Platinum & Palladium Chinese auto-sales and strikes to sustain tension in the Pt market.
Oil Libya – doing deals to protect oil ports. Japan- LNG prices, down but now improving.
Coal Coking and thermal prices increasing.
Iron Ore Major iron ore producers are not dumping. They are profitable! Think – Pots & Kettles.
Shipping Rates declined.
General
China – Industrial output – a consumer economy in the making. (including data on Li-ion battery output)
USA – Durable Goods, Vehicles, Electronics & Computers – slowing a bit.
Japan – Industrial Production – a slow decline continues.