Oil, Eggs, and a Side of Steel Tariffs – The Week’s Hot Commodity Picks

A deep dive into the five biggest commodity stories shaping global markets this week.

Editorial Team (ET)May 8, 2025

Global commodities markets are facing another pivotal week, with energy executives, government policies, and supply disruptions shaping the landscape. Oil prices remain in focus as U.S. executives prepare to meet the White House, while coal’s resurgence is defying previous expectations. Meanwhile, cobalt prices are soaring due to a surprising export ban, steel remains a politically charged battleground, and egg prices continue to climb amid supply concerns. Here’s what’s shaping the markets this week.

Oil Industry in the Spotlight

Top U.S. oil executives are set to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the nation’s energy policy amid a backdrop of declining crude prices and a growing supply glut. The International Energy Agency has cut its forecast for global oil consumption this year, adding pressure to an already volatile market. However, oil futures showed resilience at the start of the week, supported by optimistic economic data from China and the United States—two of the world’s largest consumers of crude. The industry remains on edge as traders and analysts closely monitor any potential policy shifts that could impact production levels and pricing stability.

Coal's Resurgence and Rising Demand

Coal prices in Asia have plummeted to their lowest levels since 2021 due to a global oversupply, but this trend may be short-lived. The Trump administration is taking steps to support the struggling U.S. coal sector by preventing plant closures and ensuring energy security amid rising demand. The International Energy Agency has forecast that coal consumption will continue climbing through at least 2027, signaling that the world’s energy transition remains a complex and contested issue. With increasing industrial demand and policy shifts in major economies, coal prices are expected to rise again in the coming months.

Cobalt Prices Surge After Export Ban

A surprise export ban from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s largest producer of cobalt, has sent prices soaring. The African nation, which supplies around 75% of the world’s cobalt, imposed a four-month suspension on exports in an effort to stabilize the market and address concerns over oversupply. The immediate impact has been a surge in cobalt hydroxide prices, which reached their highest levels since mid-2023. With cobalt playing a crucial role in battery production for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, the disruption has ripple effects across the global supply chain, affecting manufacturers and investors alike.

Steel Battles Intensify as Countries Move to Protect Markets

Steel remains a hot-button issue as governments around the world ramp up efforts to protect domestic industries from an influx of imports. The United States has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, while South Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, and the European Union are taking similar steps to safeguard their industries. China, the world’s largest steel producer, continues to flood the market with exports, prompting concerns over price stability and competitive imbalances. The latest trade measures highlight the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding industrial metals, as countries balance economic protectionism with the need for raw materials.

Egg Prices Climb Again Amid Global Bird Flu Outbreaks

Just as U.S. consumers were seeing some relief from record-high egg prices, a new wave of bird flu outbreaks is driving costs higher in Europe and beyond. Wholesale egg prices in Europe have hit their highest levels in over a decade, creating fresh concerns for consumers and food suppliers alike. The timing couldn’t be worse, as demand is set to spike with Easter approaching. While imports have helped ease shortages in some regions, the overall supply outlook remains uncertain.

The global commodities market is facing another week of critical developments that could reshape supply chains, pricing trends, and government policies. From energy to essential food items, traders and investors will be watching closely as these five key commodities navigate yet another period of uncertainty.

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