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.

LME checkpoint: Prices retreat while warehouse stocks remain low

LME aluminum prices, prompt premiums and the US Midwest Premium have moved lower in June, while exchange inventories continue to decline and remain near five-year lows.

Steel Dynamics relocates Arizona recycled slab project, records $16 million write-down

Steel Dynamics will relocate a planned Arizona recycled aluminum slab casting center to Mississippi after citing risks tied to differences with Arizona officials and recording a $16 million write-down.

Hydro to close California extrusion plant, Louisiana remelt billet facility

Hydro attributed the decision to low capacity utilization and the need for significant capital investment

LME Clear raises renminbi collateral limit, accepts Hong Kong warrants

LME Clear increased member renminbi collateral limits, shortened collateral notice periods and approved Hong Kong warrants for collateral use.

Commerce issues preliminary trailer duty determinations, ends Canada subsidy case

Commerce issued preliminary duty determinations on van-type trailer imports from China and Mexico while terminating the Canadian subsidy investigation and advancing the remaining trade cases toward a final decision.

The battle over Oklahoma's proposed smelter reaches beyond environmental review

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's challenge to the proposed Inola aluminum smelter shifts the debate from what regulators may decide to whether the permitting process should be allowed to reach a conclusion.

CRU revises extrusions, rolled products growth outlooks

CRU's May outlook reduced 2026 growth expectations for several aluminum product categories, while its largest long-term forecast revision occurred in rolled products.

Where are the commercial undertakings?

Commercial participation in LME aluminum declined over the past year even as prices increased, inventories tightened and financial market activity expanded.

Trump expands Section 232 tariff treatment for equipment imports

A June 1 proclamation expanded the list of equipment products eligible for temporary 15% Section 232 tariff treatment and established an 85% domestic content threshold for products eligible for a 10% rate.

Rio Tinto begins commissioning AP60 expansion at Arvida

Rio Tinto has started commissioning its AP60 expansion at Arvida, adding 160,000 metric tons of annual primary aluminum capacity while replacing older production assets.