The London Metal Exchange is to launch a number of new initiatives to boost the screen liquidity of its cash-settled ferrous futures contracts, it announced during the LME Focus Day event on Oct. 27.

The problem is that there are more than 13m tons of HRC capacity coming online or planned to come online in the next three years.

The sentiment for finished steel prices continued to slide as the November scrap buy week was underway, according to the most recent S&P Global Commodity Insights US steel market participant survey.

These include changes to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and a new levy on imports under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent carbon leakage.

The two contracts have gained momentum on high volatility in the physical market that attracted greater futures interest.

The daily trading volume on the LME, inclusive of the liquidity window, totaled 16,930 mt on Nov. 1 and 33,430 mt on Nov 2.

Semiconductor shortages, as well as other logistical issues, have roiled automotive production in the US and around the globe since 2021. Lower automotive production rates have subsequently cut demand for steel in the sector.

Earlier this year, the association had forecast steel demand to drop by 1.7% in 2022.