Contributor: Nicholas Bell

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.

Toyota to shift Tacoma production back to Texas as USMCA review continues

Toyota's $3.6 billion San Antonio expansion will shift Tacoma production from Baja California, Mexico to Texas as USMCA talks continue.

Inola approves 60-day moratorium affecting proposed EGA-Century smelter

The Inola Town Council approved a 60-day moratorium that temporarily pauses development actions affecting the proposed EGA-Century Aluminum smelter while officials review legal and zoning options.

EGA advances Al Taweelah restart

EGA reported progress restoring its Al Taweelah complex while US import data highlighted changing aluminum trade flows following the regional conflict.

Magnitude 7 Metals plans partial restart of New Madrid smelter

Magnitude 7 Metals plans to restart one potline at its idled Missouri primary aluminum smelter before the end of 2026, returning 75,000 metric tons per year of production after more than two years offline.

Alcoa agrees to acquire South32 aluminum assets, expanding its upstream footprint

Alcoa agreed to acquire South32’s bauxite, alumina and aluminum assets, adding major operations in Australia, Brazil and South Africa while increasing its upstream production footprint.

LME positioning eases as aluminum prices retreat

LME aluminum market participants broadly reduced long and short positions during June as prices retreated, although longer-term participation trends remained relatively unchanged.

Century Aluminum-Brimstone MoU and the alumina supply chain

Century Aluminum's memorandum with Brimstone adds to efforts to expand domestic alumina supply as imports continue to dominate the US market.

ENKEI America to close Jacksonville aluminum wheel facility

ENKEI America will permanently close its Jacksonville, Florida, aluminum wheel manufacturing facility, ending operations at a site with aluminum melting, remelting, casting and machining assets.

AMU June survey: Scrap market sentiment moderates, primary/semi supply keeps pace

June survey responses showed scrap market participants becoming more cautious on premiums, scrap availability and exports, while downstream demand indicators remained comparatively firmer.

AMU June survey: Expansionary signals retreat, balance outlook holds

AMU's June survey showed weaker demand, fewer extending lead times and less inventory building, though respondents largely stopped short of forecasting an oversupplied market.