Buyers are racing to store the main minerals before the date for the tariff

via Mineral

Renewable Energy Sources (MMI)Metal mineral indexSide is moved, a slight 2.83 % height. Metal prices, including copper, steel, lehium and cobalt prices, have witnessed great fluctuations in recent weeks, with American companies scrambled to the source of materials before imposing definitions. For example, US copper prices rose in the first quarter with buyers racing before potential import restrictions, only to stumble in early April when China took revenge on it with it A sharp tariff for American goods.

Trading data shows us that the future copper contracts decreased by 14 % a week, and they decreased briefly below 9000 dollars/ton on LME. The fluctuation reflects a classic play for import. according to ReutersWith prices in the United States rising about $ 756/tons over global standards, American stocks can jump as soon as actual duties start. Currently, the copper path in the short term decreased from its peak in March as the tariffs raised the pressure on buyers.

The steel sector shows a more moderate correction. We have sent the tariff anxiety earlier this year its hot prices and paintings to its highest levels in several years, but it was assumed in early April. A market report indicated that the wrapped coils of March Peak (about 920 dollars/street) while solid hardening offers came out of boiling. Meanwhile, the local mills had already diminished from the chaotic rush early in March, indicating that the short -term demand has reduced.

However, American steel makers are still in a narrow place where the “mutual” tariff that was announced on April 4 has been announced already protected elements such as steel and aluminum under old fees of 25 %.

Battery minerals Tell a mixed story. After the rise last year, the prices of lithium remain under pressure. S&P Global notes that a flood of new Spodumne productions and high inventory levels lead to an unprecedented dependence. In fact, new mine projects and restarting operations in China have sent lithium carbonate and hydroxide less quotes throughout the first quarter.

S&P predict more The declining pressure in Q2 2025. This abundance of lithium has knocked to its lowest levels for about three years on some Asian indexes, which raised questions about whether this is a reset or a long -term trend.

Cobalt prices were equally volatile as a year of offer paid its lowest levels in January for a period of nine years in January. In late February, the Democratic Republic of the Congo imposed a sudden stop for four months. Cobalt immediately rose about 40 % to March, and concluding Q1 is about 34,000 dollars/tonsBut the turmoil has left the market on the edge of the abyss throughout May.

Reports indicate that a few traders expect the gathering to continue once once the resumption of Congolese charges. However, the Q1 rush shows the sensitivity of the cobalt of geopolitical transformations even as the long -term EV batteries continue to grow and stored the network.