Q1 Construction Part Two: Large contractors, megaprojects show stronger activity
Construction indicators strengthened entering Q2, though most momentum was concentrated in data centers and infrastructure projects.
Category: Supply Chain Dynamics
Q1 Construction Part One: Indicators point to concentrated Q2 strength
Construction indicators strengthened entering Q2, though most momentum was concentrated in data centers and infrastructure projects.
Tariff hearing reveals concerns about unfair competition, mainly from China, but not just China
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.
Aluminum stocks to stay in red, prices to stay high as Iran war continues
The LME price for aluminum spiked at the start of the US/Israel war on Iran and has lately hovered around $3,400-$3,600 per ton, not yet breaching $4,000.
Iran war disruptions show importance of US smelters, Century says
“The timing of our Mt. Holly restart could not be better...providing additional American metal units to the domestic market,” CEO Jesse Gary said.
Join AMU and SMU for a Community Chat with Mercury Resources CEO Anton Posner
Anton Posner, CEO of Mercury Resources, will join Steel Market Update (SMU) and Aluminum Market Update (AMU) for a Community Chat on Thursday, May 14, at 11 am ET.
Class 8 surge, trailer slump complicates trucking recovery narrative
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.
Ball faces North American capacity constraints
Ball reported modest shipment growth and higher earnings, with North American volumes constrained by limited capacity and strong contract coverage.
Nexans to acquire Republic Wire
Nexans plans to acquire Republic Wire to expand its US low-voltage wire and cable business.
Hydro Q1: Upstream production rises as North American extrusion demand declines
Hydro's Q1 results show higher prices supporting margins despite weaker North American demand and ongoing Middle East curtailments.