Cargill is reportedly exploring the sale of its metals trading business to Macquarie Group as part of a broader strategic restructuring plan. The move indicates Cargill’s intention to sharpen focus on its core food, agriculture and trading operations while reducing exposure to challenging metals markets.
The Singapore-based metals unit plays a significant role in global commodity trade, handling around 60–70 million tonnes of iron ore and nearly 4 million tonnes of steel products annually. Its operations are closely linked to steel mills, raw material suppliers and international supply chains.
The possible sale comes at a time when iron ore and steel trading margins are under pressure due to weaker demand from China and reduced market volatility. China’s property slowdown has also affected steel consumption, making global metals trading less attractive for some large players.For the steel industry, the development highlights changing dynamics in global metals trade. If completed, the deal could strengthen Macquarie’s position in commodity trading while marking a major shift in Cargill’s metals strategy.
