Non-Ferrous Metals

As scrap companies return their shoulders to the wheel after a prolonged series of holidays affecting most parts of the world, a significant number report slower-than-normal business conditions despite the generally upward trajectory of the LME (...)

• China’s recycled non-ferrous metals output tops 130 million tons in 10 years to 2021
• Secondary raw material imports exceed 49 million tons over same period
• Carbon dioxide emissions duly cut by 830 million tons

• Container access becoming easier to traditional offshore markets
• New Zealand expected to be in recession by mid-year
• Australia’s inflation rate ahead of forecasts

• Inflation showing signs of decline
• Labour shortage impeding inflation fight
• Slow metal flows into yards

• Recycled copper and aluminium imports remain high in fourth quarter
• Auto unit production climbs 3.4% in 2022
• Dismantling of zero-COVID policy improves growth prospects

• Business conditions fail to match general euphoria
• Key issue has been rapid build-up of capacity
• Annual budget presentation on February 1

• Exchange rate recovery as interest rates rise
• Dull No. 1 copper scrap market but No. 2 relatively active
• Stronger demand from China for shredded aluminium scrap

• Slow start for aluminium scrap purchasing
• Steady support for copper and brass scrap demand
• Auto industry continues its recovery

• Imports hit by lack of foreign reserves
• Winter conditions affecting scrap supply
• Shortages of gas and electricity

• Load shedding still affecting economy
• Six-month scrap export ban in place
• Inflation projected to be 5.5-6.5% in 2023

• South East Asian currencies end 2022 on strong note
• Region looking once again towards China’s economy
• Strong buying appetite for copper as supply remains tight

• US proceeds with newly-divided government
• Inflation slowing with higher interest rates
• Terminal market prices bullish but consumer demand mostly lacklustre

• Mild winter benefits energy costs
• Belgium planning climate-neutral energy system
• Yards not really that busy

• Blackouts mostly scheduled in Ukraine, thus helping business planning
• Increased scrap supply in Poland
• Slow post-holiday market conditions in Russia

• German economy has sights set on growth again
• Waste shipment decision in Brussels heralds uphill battle
• Non-ferrous business awoken in January by LME gains

• Savings and exports prove resilient
• Manufacturing sector confidence at five-month high
• Challenge to attract and retain talented employees

• Material inflows pick up in late January
• Falling real wages, lower housing prices and tighter credit terms
• Swedish and Norwegian currencies under pressure

• Exports and tourism boost Portuguese economy
• Spain’s GDP growth exceeds expectations
• Growth in metals demand triggers shortages

• UK recyclers closely monitoring EU waste shipment developments
• Positive start to 2023 for non-ferrous trading
• Manufacturers expect new orders and output volumes to increase in next three months