UBC scrap spreads: A market caught between a thaw and a simmer
While spreads in the 66-67% range offer relief from the 82-83% squeeze seen earlier this year, they’re resting on a delicate equilibrium.
Category: Growth Markets
West Coast port congestion
West Coast congestion returns as tariff chaos fuels container surge.
Billet Market Starts to Move Higher
The billet market has been quiet in 2025 so far, but extruders exposed to the spot market are now facing some challenges.
Recyclers aren’t on the menu; they have a seat at the table
ReMA's Spotlight on Aluminum highlighted a litany of pressure points shaping the industry, with a particular emphasis on the aluminum scrap frontier.
Recycled metal exports bans - An idea that masks the problem
Domestic increases in mill capacity and a struggling recycling rate, amid China's relaxed UBC scrap import policy, fail to make the case for banning US exports.
Middle East trades and the $4 billion smelter for Oklahoma
Since March 21 when UAE announced plans to invest $1.4 trillion in the US, including an aluminum smelter, the market has been waiting for details. Now, we have some.
What Superior’s lost wheel contract says about regional sourcing
While Michigan-based Superior did not name the “large North American OEM customer”, the scale suggests a major Detroit-based automaker.
Novelis builds for tomorrow, pays for it today
In a quarter where aluminum prices rallied and shipments nudged upward, Novelis found itself caught between expansion plans and unfortunate timing.
A week of underwhelming developments
The Administration was eager to announce its first major trade deal on Thursday May 8. Unfortunately, the media probably gave more airtime to the news that Robert Prevost was the first American elected Pope in the Roman Catholic Church. Timing is everything…. but still the deal had important symbolism.
Association of American Railroads freight volumes
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) publishes monthly freight indices and carload volumes which are a good barometer of economic activity. Canadian carriers CN and CP participate in this reporting, so aluminum imports from Canada are embedded in these numbers.