Germany Approves Hydrogen Import Strategy Favoring Steel Industry

Steel industry will be main consumer of imported hydrogen, Germany’s strategy says

On July 24, 2024, Germany's Federal Cabinet approved a hydrogen import strategy, designating the steel industry as the primary consumer of imported hydrogen. The strategy anticipates that Germany's hydrogen demand will reach between 95-130 TWh by 2030, with 50-70% expected to be imported. Key players in the steel sector, including ArcelorMittal and Thyssenkrupp, have received substantial funding for green steel projects, highlighting the sector's growing demand for hydrogen. While the managing director of the German steel industry association welcomed the strategy, concerns were raised regarding the clarity of delivery timelines and costs.

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Suzano starts up Cerrado project in Brazil

Suzano has officially launched its Cerrado pulp project in Brazil, which is expected to increase its production capacity by 2.55 million tonnes per year of bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) market pulp. This project is part of a larger investment of 22 billion Reais ($3.9 billion), aimed at enhancing the company's growth and sustainability efforts. The new facility is anticipated to reduce cash costs significantly, with a target of around $100 per tonne, marking a 30% decrease from previous costs. This marks the completion of major pulp projects in Latin America, following UPM's and Arauco's recent initiatives.

China’s lithium carbonate imports remain high in June, adds to oversupply

In June 2024, China imported 19,583 tonnes of lithium carbonate, contributing to a total of 106,389 tonnes in the first half of the year, marking a 45.39% increase from 2023. Despite weak demand, South American producers continue to supply lithium carbonate to China. Fastmarkets reported a decrease in weekly price assessment for lithium carbonate, indicating potential oversupply in the market.

Norsk Hydro CEO discusses aluminium demand in green transition

Demand for aluminium in green transition supporting otherwise challenging downstream markets: Norsk Hydro CEO

Norsk Hydro's CEO highlighted the increasing demand for primary aluminium driven by the green transition, with Chinese production rising by 6.2% year-on-year in June. The photovoltaic industry is expected to significantly increase its aluminium consumption, while European extrusion demand has faced a decline, raising concerns about recovery in the latter half of 2024.

Speculative interests in copper driving base metals narratives, says Sucden Financial

Daria Efanova from Sucden Financial highlighted the significant role of copper in influencing base metals prices, driven by speculative investments. Fastmarkets Analytics analyst Boris Mikanikrezai concurred, predicting further increases in copper prices. The report noted that aluminium prices are closely following copper, while nickel faces challenges due to rising production in Indonesia. Zinc prices are experiencing volatility due to speculative interests, and lead prices are gaining traction from speculative positioning. Tin prices remain elevated, with a moderately bullish outlook. Macroeconomic factors such as politics and interest rates are also impacting the base metals market.

China lithium spot prices inch down

Fastmarkets reported a decline in China's lithium spot prices. The weekly assessment of lithium carbonate 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, spot price range exw domestic China decreased by 700-1,000 yuan per tonne to 104,000-106,200 yuan per tonne. Similarly, the weekly assessment of lithium hydroxide monohydrate LiOH.H2O 56.5% LiOH min, battery grade, spot price range exw domestic China fell by 1,000-2,000 yuan per tonne to 94,000-103,000 yuan per tonne.

Fastmarkets assesses lithium spot prices

Harnessing a variety of data in periods of low liquidity: the evolution of lithium spot pricing

Fastmarkets assessed the lithium hydroxide monohydrate LiOH.H2O 56.5% LiOH min, battery grade, spot price cif China, Japan & Korea at $13.40-14.50 per kg on May 29, and the lithium carbonate 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, spot prices cif China, Japan & Korea at $13.50-14.50 per kg on May 29.

Standard Lithium to attend Fastmarkets 16th Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference

Standard Lithium to Attend Upcoming Industry Conferences

Standard Lithium Ltd plans to attend the Fastmarkets 16th Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference, focusing on lithium supply and battery raw materials.

Fastmarkets provides commodity intelligence and market insights across various sectors including agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and new generation energy. The company offers pricing, supply and demand forecasts, and insights-rich experiences for market participants. It also covers the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries, recycling timelines, and environmental implications.

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Who we are
Fastmarkets is the most trusted cross-commodity price reporting agency (PRA) in the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and energy transition markets.  Our price data, forecasts, and market analyses give our customers a strategic advantage in complex, volatile, often opaque markets. Our events provide immersive experiences to network, trade, and discuss the critical issues of the day.

Fastmarkets combines the commodity intelligence of these familiar names:

Metal Bulletin • American Metal Market • Scrap Price Bulletin • Industrial Minerals • RISI • FOEX • The Jacobsen • Agricensus • Random Lengths • FastMarkets and more.

What we do
The commodity markets we serve are the beating heart of today’s economy and critical to the transition to a low-carbon economy.  That reality guides our purpose:  to create transparent commodity markets to help our customers build a more sustainable world.  The creation of healthy commodity markets – markets that maintain supply-demand balances and create clear mechanisms for participants and investors – are essential to fuel today’s financial performance and make the key investments to build a more sustainable world.

How we do it
Fastmarkets is an extraordinary place to work.  We marry a culture energized by a diversity of intellect, experiences, and perspective with a passion to make our customers successful.  

We combine the authority of our expertise with a pragmatic view of how markets work to help our customers see clearly even in volatile and opaque markets.

We respect and trust each other as shown by our Working 3.0 model that allows each of us to bring our best selves to work each day and combine to make a difference for each other and for the world. 

Andrea Hotter delves into the latest news from the aluminum and nickel markets 📊

🟢 Nickel and aluminium managed to avoid the latest round of sanctions western governments imposed on Russia, putting an end to days of speculation. 

📈 This development has sparked a surge in both metal prices and trading volumes. 

Read Andrea's full analysis: https://fmrkts.com/49uHszx 

Never miss an issue of Hotter Commodities. Receive the latest stories straight to your inbox: https://fmrkts.com/3UYB9Q9 

#FastmarketsMetals #BaseMetals #aluminium #nickel #BatteryMaterials #ElectricVehicles #HotterCommodities

🌊 Navigating the tides of change in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry

Unlock the future with our latest raw materials insights shaping the market in 2024:
📊 A cautious macroeconomic landscape lies ahead. Are you prepared?
📜 Witness the resurgence of pulp prices 
📦 Navigate through the paper and packaging landscape with expert volatility insights
♻️ The demand for green aluminium is on the rise, and so are opportunities
📈 Anticipate the aluminium upturn in the second half of 2024
🌴 Steer through the palm oil prices and global demand 

💡 Stay informed, stay agile. Read more on how to be prepared for what's next: https://fmrkts.com/42S4yxn  

💡 Access critical market insights that can help drive your business decisions with our FMCG suite. Reach out to us today to learn more: https://fmrkts.com/3UVqx4Q 

#FMCG #BaseMetals #ForestProducts #RawMaterials #aluminium #packaging #PalmOil #commodities 

🎧 Fastmarkets is thrilled to announce that we are launching into the world of podcasts. 🎤

✨ We want YOU to be a part of the conversation from the beginning.

With our series launching soon, get ready to dive deep into the critical minerals and battery raw materials markets. 💎

🔍 Our first episode will explore the fascinating realm of policy impacts on the battery raw materials ecosystem. Ever wondered how government policies wield power over the production and distribution of these vital resources? Now's your chance to ask those burning questions and share your insights.

💬 Drop your comments and questions below - our industry experts will answer them on the show. Let's make this podcast debut one to remember. 

🔔 Stay tuned for more updates on our podcast launch. 

Learn more about battery raw materials' vital role in powering the world: https://fmrkts.com/3OU7AeN  

#FastmarketsPodcast #BatteryMaterials #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #policy

🌊 Is BHP's strategy making waves in the nickel industry? 

📉 With lowered price assumptions and a notable valuation shift, BHP estimates its nickel unit's net operating assets at a negative $300 million.

The company anticipates a substantial pre-tax impairment of $3.5 billion. 💸

✅ Dive into Andrea Hotter's latest analysis: https://fmrkts.com/3ONfSFi 

Whether you're an industry expert or simply curious about the world of commodities, you can receive Hotter Commodities straight to your inbox.

✅ Sign up now: https://fmrkts.com/3T536V4 

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