Non-Ferrous Metals

The recent BIR Convention in Gothenburg was a timely reminder of why our industry works best when it comes together in person. Markets may move on screens, prices may change constantly and policy may arrive in lengthy documents, but understanding of our industry is built through conversation (...)

• Mixed construction picture impacting scrap generation
• New Zealand buyers active but selective
• Further contraction in local brass manufacturing capacity

• Generally stagnant economic environment
• US tariffs applying pressure to manufacturing industries
• Small GDP gains in both April and May

• Volatile daily pricing across major non-ferrous scrap commodities
• Policy tilting heavily towards self-reliance in critical supply chains
• Exports accounting for over a third of China’s vehicle production

• Indian economy remains resilient despite multiple pressures
• Manufacturing sector exceeds expansion estimate
• Economic outlook strong on resilient domestic demand

• USMCA uncertainty the main strategic risk for North American industry
• Scrap flows facing heavier compliance burden at Mexico-US border
• Automotive demand remains supportive but market sentiment is cautious

• Reopening Strait of Hormuz should ease logistics pressure
• Positive impact likely on insurance costs and delays
• Recent disruption intensifies local focus

• Tough trading conditions for manufacturers
• Discounted power tariffs for ferro-chrome producers
• June sees significant fall in purchasing managers’ index

• Malaysian port congestion beginning to ease
• Clear guidance needed from customs authorities
• Conditions in Thailand remain generally stable

• Conflict wind-down correcting energy and metals pricing
• Secondary aluminium ingot prices firm in wake of dropping primary price
• Good domestic demand for copper and brass

• Russian copper exports redirected away from Europe towards Asia
• Ukraine’s scrap export ban slows collections and forces closures
• Recyclers argue for export quota to the EU

• Extreme heat temporarily slows collection activities
• Aluminium ingot market loses some momentum
• Liquidity becomes increasingly decisive factor

• Permanent employment and self-employment growth indicates confidence
• Public debt decreases in April
• Italy’s electricity prices the highest in Europe

• Cautious market sentiment despite healthy trading activity
• Strong competition for material and compressed margins
• Economies continue to show resilience

• Softening of prices over recent weeks
• Export markets remain essential for UK recyclers
• Industry preparing for mandatory digital waste transfer notes