Spot activity continues to be sporadic in the Atlantic coking coal market, as participants hope that early signs of a stronger third quarter in terms of volumes will be borne out.

Steelmakers are still expected to purchase another 50,000-100,000t of July-shipment deep-sea scrap, but almost all of their requirements have been met.

ArcelorMittal today announced a €440/t ex-works base price for hot-rolled coil (HRC) in the northwest European market, buyers told Argus.

Lower-grade iron ore contract prices will narrow or erase discounts in July, as spot differentials have gained further support from supply disruptions, product upgrades and margin pressures.

China has lowered the target for coal's share in its primary energy mix as it continues to encourage the use of cleaner energy to combat air pollution.

Growth in India's renewable energy capacity is on course to easily outpace the expansion of its coal-power fleet in the current decade, given the country's broader plan to cut its dependence on the thermal fuel.

Japanese auto manufacturer Mazda is planning to restart two-shift production at all of its four domestic assembly plants in July to gradually restore output from Covid-19 lows.

Spot prices for flat-rolled steel in the US fell again this week as mills struggled to book new spot orders.