Contributor: Greg Wittbecker

Elysis announced the start-up of its new technology at a Rio Tinto smelter, which it said is the next step in the transition toward large-scale, low-carbon aluminum production

This is Part Two of a look at the commercial trucking sector and its impact on aluminum.

Truck and trailer demand is important to the aluminum market, as the lightweight metal is used extensively in vehicle structures.

Contract talks for U.S. value-added aluminum products are reaching a critical stage, with billet, primary foundry alloys, and wire rod upcharges diverging as buyers and producers race to finalized 2026 pricing.

Current leadership is sticking to a conservative approach that optimizes its existing portfolio, while steadily improving the balance sheet.

The latest International Aluminium Institute data for September show global production

In a rare Section 403 filing, the Department of Energy formally argued that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission already has the legal authority to directly regulate large-load grid interconnections.

Imports through the 10 largest U.S. ports fell 6.6% year over year in September. This is the beginning of a trend that container freight experts say will persist into 2026.

Trump’s decision to suspend trade negotiations with Canada has crushed expectations of any relief for Canadian producers or the U.S. Midwest P1020 premium.

Tariffs, immigration crackdowns and the loss of foreign aid are expected to drag down economies.