by Andrew Pedler | Oct 29, 2018 | Commodity Review, Now Available
SUMMARY
*Copper BHP reduced Cu production outlook, due to issues at Olympic Dam and Spence.
Cobalt ARV’s Castle Cove project is returning good Co & Cu grades.
Nickel BHP’s nickel smelter fire not considered likely to impact 2018 target production.
Zinc & Lead Several competing supply factors.
Tin Indonesian ICDX exchange oversight is limiting some tin trading.
Aluminium China’s aluminium production rate increased contrary to reported reduction per month.
Gold Price up fractionally. Analysts & traders looking for price increases.
Platinum & Palladium Swiss imports of Pt surged in September.
*Oil Iran practising oil exports under cover.
Coal BHPs’ met coal guidance for 2018 reduced, 2019 unchanged.
Iron Ore China’s winter restrictions a little muted but still with, some uncertainty, to be decided by local govt.
Shipping Panamax rates flat, Cape rates up.
General
*Port of Singapore shipping: improved Containers & Bulks.
*USA – New Housing Starts: growth remains positive and moderate.
*USA – Industrial Production & Capacity Utilisation: strong growth.
*Japan – Orders to Machinery: improving positive growth.
by Marg | Aug 27, 2018 | Commodity Review, Now Available
JAPAN
SUMMARY
*Copper USA & China ended trade talks with no major breakthrough.
*Cobalt Delays in rollout of 811 NCM batteries. Expected some years away for major adoption.
Nickel Nickel market in deficit during Jan-Jun 18, and for all of 2017.
Zinc & Lead Global Zn concentrate inventories have been at low levels since early 2017. Pb market is in deficit.
Tin LME will require DRC produced copper to be audited to prove it is ethically sourced.
Aluminium In USA old Al smelters are being restarted. In Russia they are being closed. China is unaffected.
Gold Price holding above psychological USD 12,000/oz level after Fed Chairman’s remarks.
Platinum & Palladium Platinum industry marketing into jewellery markets, with some success.
*Oil Oil prices up on Iran sanctions taking effect and concerns about USA-China trade wars.
Coal Met-coal usually deals with cyclones & tight supply/demand. Trade wars add more uncertainty.
Iron Ore Singapore Exchange is adding a high-grade iron ore contract to its markets. BCI, MIN, BCK
Shipping Cape & Panamax rates up on demand. Bad weather has tightened availability of ships.
General
*Japan – Orders to Machinery. Japan’s industry is showing a recovery from post GFC events.
Pinch Point updates: Inventories continue edging downward. Contangos tighten. Prices up.
USA New Housing Starts: Down slightly in July but improved on June.
USA Durable Goods, Vehicles, Electronics: positive growth.
