Fastmarkets extended its consultation on its IOSCO-audited alumina price indices on November 5, to invite further feedback following one complaint received on the robustness and impartiality of its methodology.
PRICING NOTICE: Proposal to launch Japan ferro-silicon import price Fastmarkets is proposing to launch a weekly price assessment for ferro-silicon, 75% Si min, at cif Japan basis. Initial discussions with participants have indicated a growing need for greater coverage of the ferro-silicon import market in Japan owing to increased spot liquidity in the Asian import market. Japan is one of the largest ferro-silicon importers in Asia.
Sources also said that such an assessment would help provide a more comprehensive view of the market, because declining Chinese exports in recent years has meant that the China ferro-silicon export price is slowly becoming less representative of the market as a whole.
PRICING NOTICE: Launch of Poland domestic steel wire rod assessment Fastmarkets today, Friday March 12, launches a weekly price assessment for drawing-quality steel wire rod for the Polish domestic market. Following a month-long consultation period, Fastmarkets has launched a weekly steel wire rod (drawing quality), domestic, delivered Poland, zloty/tonne price assessment.
The Polish market plays an important role as both an importer and exporter due to its central location in Europe, neighboring the key German market while also serving as a price indicator for much of Eastern Europe.
Poland has two major wire rod producers, ArcelorMittal Sosnowiec and CMC Zawiercie, with a total nameplate capacity of 1.3 million tonnes per year.