Category: Final Thoughts

Before the second Trump administration, many automakers banked on an electrified future, with federal and state tax breaks incentivizing consumers.

Meanwhile, this week, President Trump is in Beijing for a crucial series of meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Discussions are expected to include trade, the Iran war, technology and agriculture.

ACT Research and FTR Intelligence data showed Class 8 truck orders increased sharply in early 2026 even as trailer demand, OEM deliveries and manufacturer shipments remained weaker.

Ford and GM's results show earnings supported by tariff timing and mix, while volumes, inventory, and cash flow point to a constrained supply and uneven demand.

First-quarter earnings show aluminum markets identifying supply risk across value-added products, but not yet experiencing measurable disruption.

LME and Midwest premiums are rising, and a conflict in Iran is just one of several challenges the market is facing.

A fragile two-week ceasefire has been struck been struck between the US and Iran. But much damage has already been done in the six weeks since strikes began.

Extruders flagged mounting Gulf supply risks, tight US inventories, and a shift toward scrap-driven billet economics.

Linamar's Welland gigacasting project illustrates how shifting EV demand and policy changes can expose Tier 1 suppliers to investment timing risk.

Chinese firm GCL is exploring a 3 milllion-ton-per-year aluminum smelter in Nigeria, but historical failures and questionable capex estimates raise doubts.