In this episode Argus analysts examine how data centre growth for artificial intelligence is driving demand in some of the most exposed minor metal markets. Materials like germanium and indium phosphide are playing a key role in data transfer devices and optical connections within data centres, while gallium nitride power electrics are increasingly deployed to improve energy efficiency. But supply of these metals has been restricted by export controls and geo-political instability just as demand is beginning to boom.

Topics discussed:

• The role of gallium nitride power electronics in AI data centre infrastructure and how the gallium market outside China could expand to meet demand.
• How germanium and indium phosphide are used in high-speed data transfer and optical connections within data centres and how these markets are affected by China’s export control policies.
• The supply constraints faced by the tantalum industry at a time when tantalum demand from the capacitor industry, chip makers, and energy sector is growing rapidly.

Listen to the latest episode of Metal Movers to gain insight into the Indonesian policies and global disruptions shaping the nickel and aluminium markets. Find out more:

• Nickel market tightening and its impact on prices

• Policy uncertainty in Indonesia

• Power competition between nickel and aluminium

• Geopolitical tension pose risks to feedstock supply

Farmers in Brazil are preparing for the arrival of El Niño in the coming months. The weather pattern affects the country’s main producing regions in different ways, but poses threats to crop output and yields. Learn more by listening to the conversation between Renata Cardarelli, editor of the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers report, and Nathalia Giannetti, a contributor to this publication and to Argus AgriMarkets.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How the pattern affects Brazil’s main agricultural regions

• Crop volumes and yields during El Niño cycles

• Outlook for soybean and corn crops in the central-west

• Outlook for crops in the south region

Agricultores se preparam para a chegada do El Niño nos próximos meses. O fenômeno climático afeta as principais regiões produtoras do País de formas diferentes, mas traz ameaças à produção e ao rendimento das lavouras. Saiba mais acompanhando a conversa entre Renata Cardarelli, editora do Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes, e Nathalia Giannetti, colaboradora desta publicação e do relatório global Argus AgriMarkets.

Os tópicos discutidos neste episódio incluem:

• Como fenômeno se manifesta nas principais regiões agrícolas no Brasil

• Produção e produtividade das safras em ciclos de El Nino

• Perspectivas para as safras de soja e milho no Centro-Oeste

• Perspectivas para a região Sul

Welcome to this Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast episode, part of the Chemical Conversations series.

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives on:

• Impact of the Iran–US peace agreement on the methanol industry
• Potential for softer pricing in Asia and slower declines in the Atlantic basin
• A longer-term outlook for the global methanol market

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.

In this episode, Michael Ball, editor of Air Daily speaks with carbon reporter Ida Balakrishna as she examines the recent surge in RGGI allowance prices and the market forces driving unprecedented volatility. The discussion explores how Virginia’s earlier-than-expected return is raising supply concerns, alongside rising emissions, growing data center-driven power demand, and shifting compliance strategies. They also unpack recent auction surprises, seasonal demand factors, and potential regulatory responses shaping the outlook for the RGGI market.

Key Takeaways:

• Market volatility and price surges driven by Virginia's re-entry into RGGI in July
• Rising energy demand which is shaping emissions outlook and allowance demand
• Compliance deadlines and evolving regulatory expectations influencing trading behavior
• External drivers including seasonal demand patterns and auction outcomes

In this episode, George Maher-Bonnett (Deputy Editor — European Products Report) speaks with Josh Michalowski (Reporter — European Diesel & Gasoil) and Gabriella Twining (Global Editor — Base Oils and Waxes) about the refining tug-of-war between diesel and base oils. They discuss how record diesel cracks have been driving refiners’ decisions, how supply resilience is masking structural risks, and why the summer driving season could deepen a squeeze across the lubricants chain.

Key themes:

• Diesel cracks: $46/bbl in June, more than double seasonal norms

• Refiners prioritise middle distillates over base oils despite uplift

• Group 3 imports collapse after Gulf supply halts, pushing prices to records

• Summer demand risk: strong diesel runs vs tightening base oil availability

Podcast description:

The biomass industry is increasingly partaking in conversations around carbonised biomass, but confusion still arises over which term is the correct one, and what each term means.

In this episode of the Biomass Beat, host Hannah Adler speaks with Chris Wiberg of Biomass Energy Lab (BEL) to unpack the complexities behind biocoal, biocarbon, biochar and charcoal, exploring how these materials are defined, produced, and used across industries ranging from energy to agriculture.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• A clear breakdown of terminology in the biocarbon sector- and why so many products sound similar but can differ

• How product specifications and feedstocks vary, from high-grade wood to waste-based

• An exploration of end uses, including energy generation, soil health, industrial inputs, and carbon removal

• Insights into market development and standardisation, and why clearer definitions can unlock further investment

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.