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Metal prices surge on global markets in first quarter
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Slovakia /Economy & Trade

Metal prices surge on global markets in first quarter

From SME · (11m ago) Slovak Critical tone

Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Prices for nearly all metals, excluding oil and natural gas, have surged on global markets, nearing record 2021 levels.
  • The Bavarian Industry Association (vbw) attributes this rise partly to the conflict in Iran, which is accelerating the trend.
  • Rare metals saw the largest increase (over 34%), followed by rare earths (29.3%), with industrial metals up an average of 14.3%.

Global markets are witnessing a significant upswing in metal prices, with nearly all commodities, barring oil and natural gas, experiencing substantial increases. This surge has brought prices back to levels not seen since the record highs of 2021. The Bavarian Industry Association (vbw) has highlighted the escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Iran, as a key factor accelerating this price escalation.

The vbw's report indicates that rare metals have seen the most dramatic price hikes, with an increase of over 34% year-on-year, despite a slight dip in gold and silver prices in March. Rare earth elements followed, with a 29.3% rise, largely attributed to export restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, which dominates the global market for these critical materials. Industrial metals, on average, have climbed by 14.3%.

Rast cien zasiahol takmer kaลพdรฉ odvetvie

โ€” Bertram BrossardtGeneral Director of the Bavarian Industry Association (vbw), commenting on the widespread impact of rising prices.

Specific metals have experienced extraordinary price growth. Lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries, has more than doubled in price, while tungsten has seen an increase of over 130%. These price movements have broad implications across various industries, impacting manufacturing costs and supply chain stability. The association's general director, Bertram Brossardt, noted that the price hikes affect almost every sector, underscoring the widespread economic consequences of these commodity market shifts.

ฤŒlรกnok pokraฤuje pod video reklamou

โ€” SMEPlaceholder text indicating continuation of the article.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.