Commodity Review 20180831 by Andrew Pedler – Now Available
Steel
This week’s comments of particular interest are noted with ‘*’.
SUMMARY
Copper Peruvian communities protest against local mine infrastructure development.
*Cobalt BMI considers recent price falls are more due to sentiment than demand reduction.
Nickel Ni market still tightening. : PAN, CTM, POS, GBR, IPT.
*Zinc & Lead CRU stress tests outlook for Zn regarding Chinese mine supply ability to return to production. TKM
Tin WBMS reports tin market deficit.
Aluminium USA is trying to negotiate quotas for Canada and Mexico for Al instead of tariffs.
Gold CSIRO demonstrates cyanide-free gold production in WA.
Platinum & Palladium New Pt-Au alloy is the most wear-resistant metal; comparable to diamond and sapphire.
*Oil OPEC to meet 23 Sept. USA sells oil from strategic Reserves, to cover sanction effects.
Coal Asian thermal coal buyers becoming more cost conscious. Producers look to European mkts.
Iron Ore There has been relatively little investment in iron ore mines of late.
Shipping Cape rates down, Panamax rates stable.
General
*China Freight: Strong growth in rail, highway and water freight.
*Industrial Production : South Korea, Brazil, India.
World Steel – widespread strong positive yr-on-yr growth, though avg daily output (mo-on-mo) slowed from June to July.