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.

AMU Survey: January lead times stable, but still uneven across products

January's AMU survey shows stabilizing lead times with growing product-level and role-based divergence, alongside a notable shift in perceptions of import competitiveness.

AMU Survey: MWP/UBC expectations and scrap outlook

January AMU survey results show firmer Midwest premium expectations, stabilizing UBC outlooks, and a split between recycler responses and those of producers, manufacturers, and traders.

Alcoa reports full-year 2025 results, details 2026 outlook

Alcoa's full-year 2025 results show higher aluminum production yet lower shipments as the company outlines its 2026 outlook and capital posture.

Construction end market check-in: 2025 Backlog and momentum indicators

Non-residential construction indicators show how planning and backlog shaped aluminum demand heading into 2026.

Aerospace end market check-in: 2025 aircraft deliveries

A review of 2025 Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries, with context around production and supply-chain structure.

Labor agreement timelines converge in US aluminum

Labor agreements across US aluminum producers are converging around 2026, bringing collective bargaining timelines into sharper focus this year.

AB InBev repurchases minority stake in US metal can operations

Anheuser-Busch InBev has repurchased a minority stake in its US metal can manufacturing operations, reversing a $3 billion transaction completed in 2020.

Lead time takeaways from AMU's survey

December survey data showed lead times rising across aluminum products even as respondents reported steadier conditions.

AMU Survey: UBC expectations fragment as scrap signals stabilized

December survey results show UBC price expectations becoming more debated even as scrap availability, inventory behavior, and Midwest premium expectations point toward steadier underlying conditions.

ALUKO Group expands US manufacturing footprint

ALUKO Group plans to establish a second US manufacturing facility in Tennessee, expanding its domestic manufacturing presence beyond the EV-focused Jackson site.