Alejandro Moreno, StoneX Europe Base Metals Manager, discusses Europe’s copper needs, import reliance, and the pivotal role of recycling in a tightening market.
Key Takeaways
Copper remains central to electrification and is infinitely recyclable
Scrap shortages and import reliance expose Europe to geopolitical risk
StoneX combines physical-market experience with financial hedging tools
Copper at the Heart of Clean Energy
“Copper is in the heart of this transformation”, Moreno notes, highlighting its superior conductivity in electric grids, vehicles and renewable installations. Its ability to be reused without loss of quality further cements its role as a cornerstone metal for a low-carbon future.
Import Reliance Meets Geopolitical Risk
Europe sources much of its base-metal needs abroad. When “geopolitics gets messy,” as the host observes, supply chains can fray quickly. Diversifying origins and securing long-term contracts have become strategic imperatives for traders and industrial consumers alike.
Recycling and the Scrap Shortage
Demand for secondary metal is rising, yet “there’s actually a lack of scrap in Europe”, driven by weaker industrial output and higher exports to Asia. Boosting collection and processing capacity could ease reliance on mined material while advancing sustainability goals.
StoneX's Integrated Approach
Moreno stresses that StoneX is “part of the metals industry… not only facilitate hedging but also intermediate trades”. Many team members, including himself, have worked in physical recycling, giving them insight into client needs. “Most of us… have experience in the physical trading sector”, enabling the firm to marry market access, risk-management tools and hands-on logistics support for miners, recyclers and manufacturers.
Make Market Insights Your Competitive Advantage
Access live prices, supply and demand data and actionable market commentary across commodities, equities, currencies and more. Sign up for StoneX Market Intelligence today and receive a free 14-day trial.
---- Expert: Alejandro Moreno, StoneX Europe Base Metals Manager
Base Metals
The subsidiaries of StoneX Group Inc. provide financial products and services, including, but not limited to, physical commodities, securities, clearing, global payments, risk management, asset management, foreign exchange, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives. These financial products and services are offered in accordance with the applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they are provided and are subject to specific terms, conditions, and restrictions contained in the terms of business applicable to each such offering. Not all products and services are available in all countries. The products and services offered by the StoneX Group of companies involve risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Full Disclaimer. This content is not intended for residents of any particular country, and the information herein is not advice nor a recommendation to trade nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service, by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Please refer to the Regulatory Disclosure section for entity-specific disclosures. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc. The information herein is provided for informational purposes only. This information is provided on an ‘as-is’ basis and may contain statements and opinions of the StoneX Group of companies as well as excerpts and/or information from public sources and third parties and no warranty, whether express or implied, is given as to its completeness or accuracy. Each company within the StoneX Group of companies (on its own behalf and on behalf of its directors, employees and agents) disclaims any and all liability as well as any third-party claim that may arise from the accuracy and/or completeness of the information detailed herein, as well as the use of or reliance on this information by the recipient, any member of its group or any third party.
Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.
Reach
With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bilateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.
Transparency
As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve, our financials and track record are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.
Expertise
From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform to “boots-on-the-ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.
