The Midwest premium has risen beyond replacement economics, driven by thin liquidity, depleted US inventories, slow import response, and limited near-term substitutes - raising questions about sustainability and forward risk.
Trailers represent a significant source of demand for aluminum extruders and sheet mills, consuming a lot of 6061 alloys. So, any softness in trailer orders is not welcome news.
As aluminum markets head into 2026, LME prices appear structurally supported while the Midwest premium looks increasingly risky and politically distorted, forcing buyers and sellers to hedge very differently.
AKFA Aluminum Solutions will establish its first US manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, introducing a new extrusion-focused aluminum producers into the regional secondary market.
Despite competing fiercely for market share, aluminum and plastics share the same structural recycling failures rooted in incentives and policy resistance.
Workers at Real Alloy's Kentucky facility unanimously ratified their first collective bargaining agreement following a strike authorization vote, concluding months of negotiations.
Industry respondents overwhelmingly expect UBC prices to remain stable in the current month, even as Class scrap and Midwest premium expectations point in different directions.
Scrap discounts remain exceptionally wide to the Midwest transaction price. Some seasonal tightness may occur, but still affords rolling mills and extruders excellent earnings potential.
AMU spoke with Ingrid Joerg about her experience and her vision for Constellium, the Paris-based aluminum company with operations in Europe, North America and Asia.
Sortera uses proprietary technology equipped with AI-enabled multi-sensor sorting systems with blending capabilities to better sort and upcycle scrap