Category: Pulse

We had another topsy-turvy week in the markets as the war in Iran monopolized investor attention.

Midwest aluminum premiums are converging with replacement costs as Gulf supply risks lift duty-paid import replacement near $1.05 per pound.

Rio Tinto's aluminum supply agreement with Prysmian highlights tightening redraw rod availability in North America as tariffs, smelter closures and cable demand reshape supply.

The market has been naturally fixated on the disruption of aluminum exports from the Persian Gulf. However, there is another shipping problem that also may have repercussions on the movement of manufactured goods originating in the Pacific. That is extreme congestion at the Panama Canal.

Aluminum markets remain in flux as the US-Israeli attack on Iran enters its second week.

Join SMU and AMU for a Community Chat on Wednesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. ET with George Adams, CEO of SA Recycling.

The war in the Persian Gulf is still fluid and the risk to production and shipments remain grave

Markets have been taken aback by the intensity of the conflict and the Iranian retaliatory strikes on at least 14 different countries. Investors were also shaken by the severe disruptions to oil and gas flows coming out of the Persian Gulf.

Pace Industries plans to close two die-casting plants in Muskegon, Michigan, following the news of the planned closure of its Harrison, Arkansas plant, further reducing its US casting footprint.

The Oklahoma aluminum smelter project backed by Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum appears to be advancing toward a power deal, though elevated electricity costs and high Midwest premiums continue to complicate the economics.