The latest Market Talks covering Commodities. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires throughout the day. The Midwest delivery premium for U.S. aluminum is about 39 cents a pound. "Aluminum Fee Rising Slower Than Forecast From Tariff -- Market Talk," at 3:40 p.m. ET, incorrectly said the premium was 39 cents.

1540 ET - The cost of US aluminum is increasing more slowly than expected from the 25% tariff. The Midwest delivery premium--a catch-all fee attached to aluminum purchases to cover transportation, warehousing, tariffs and other costs for delivering aluminum--is about 39 cents a pound, roughly flat since the tariff started March 12, says S&P's Platts Global Commodity Insights. Analysts expected the fee to reach 45 cents or higher--roughly $1,000 a metric ton. It may get there eventually, but Alcoa says aluminum stockpiled before the tariff started has to be used up first. "We had expected the Midwest premium would respond more quickly. It has not," CFO Molly Beerman told analysts this week. "Until that stockpile depletes, we don't have the impetus for price pressure up." (robert.tita@wsj.com) Corrections & Amplifications

This item was corrected at 1553 ET. The Midwest delivery premium for U.S. aluminum is about 39 cents a pound. The original version incorrectly said the premium was 39 cents.

1313 ET - The Trump Administration is moving forward with actions on Chinese-built freight vessels in an attempt to incentivize domestic shipbuilding. The U.S. Trade Representative says that it is instituting penalties on Chinese-built ships that dock at U.S. ports. Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the U.S. will begin charging vessels owned and operated by Chinese companies in the next six months. The agency said that it will begin to impose penalties starting in three years on foreign vessels transporting LNG, which will then increase incrementally during the next 22 years. These penalties include charging fees at the U.S. ports these vessels dock in. (kirk.maltais@wsj.com)

0617 ET - Palm oil ended lower amid increased production. Malaysia's palm oil inventories rose as expected last month and could be even higher in April, China Galaxy Futures say in a research note. Trade developments remained in focus after signals a U.S.-China tariff deal could be reached. Meanwhile, palm oil could have an edge over other vegetable oils after its recent price declines, Kenanga Futures says in a note. The price discount could attract key importers such as India, Pakistan and China, Kenanga analysts add. The Bursa Malaysia Derivatives contract for July delivery ended 36 ringgit lower at 3,975 ringgit a ton. (sherry.qin@wsj.com)

2253 ET - Iron ore prices are flat in early Asian trade. Iron ore prices are likely to face downward pressures from 2H, Citi analysts say in a note. They are likely to be weighed by a decline in China's steel demand and slower growth in demand outside China due to tariffs, they say. If Beijing shifts its policy focus toward supporting employment, it could keep steel mills running even as demand declines, the analysts say. That would move the steel market into further oversupply while keeping the iron ore market tight, they add. The most traded iron ore contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange is flat at CNY711.5 a ton.(sherry.qin@wsj.com)

2242 ET - Palm-oil prices rise in Asia morning trade, supported by improved competitiveness and stronger demand prospects, AmInvestment Bank says in a note. Palm oil has regained its position as one of the world's cheapest vegetable oils after prices fell over 8% this year, driven by expectations of higher output in Malaysia as plantations recover from flooding, it says. The decline has erased a rare premium over soybean oil, boosting the commodity's appeal among price-sensitive buyers, it adds. AmInvestment Bank sees support for crude palm-oil prices at 3,985 ringgit a ton and resistance at 4,057 ringgit a ton. The Bursa Malaysia derivatives contract for July delivery is up 22 ringgit at 4,033 ringgit a ton. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

2205 ET - Gold prices fall in holiday-thinned Asia trading after settling lower overnight, taking a breather after setting fresh record highs this week as tariff turmoil fuels haven demand. A slightly firmer USD contributed to the pause in the precious metal's momentum, says Pepperstone's Quasar Elizundia. "Investors could continue to flock to gold as they react to new trade policy developments," the research strategist writes in a note. Potential U.S. tariffs on critical minerals, pharma and semiconductors could drive more demand for gold, but Elizundia notes signs of overextension in the recent rally. Asian demand could come under pressure as high prices curb physical purchases in India and China, he adds, while Japan-U.S. talks could also affect gold markets. Spot gold is last down 0.4% at $3,326.83/oz. (fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 18, 2025 16:15 ET (20:15 GMT)

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