Platts proposes consolidation, revisions to US magnesium spot price assessments

Due to changes in US magnesium market supply and trade flows, Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is seeking feedback on proposed changes to its weekly US magnesium spot price assessments, effective June 1, 2023.

As pure magnesium imports from various origins now account for a greater percentage of US supply, Platts is proposing to consolidate its assessments for minimum-99.8% pure magnesium by discontinuing its US Spot Western assessment (MMAHM00) and renaming the US Dealer Import assessment (MMAHQ00) to "Magnesium DDP US."

Under this proposal, specifications for MMAHQ00 would be revised as follows:

Platts is also proposing to rename its Magnesium US Die Cast Alloy Transaction assessment (MMAHR00) "Magnesium Die Cast Alloy DDP US" and to revise the assessment scope to account for more aluminum users participating in purchases of secondary magnesium alloys in addition to traditional diecaster customers purchasing automotive-qualified material.

Platts proposes revising specifications for MMAHR00 to align with aluminum-user industry standards, moving to a minimum 93% Mg content from 91%-95% currently.

The proposed changes are as follows:

Platts is additionally seeking feedback on whether to include minimums or maximums for other specific alloying elements.

The assessments are published in Platts Metals Daily, Platts Metals Week Supplement and Platts Metals Alert on fixed page PMA 0368, and in Platts Market Data category LM under the above-mentioned symbols.

Platts invites feedback on this proposal to editors@platts.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Jan. 31, 2023.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.