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: Supply concerns grow despite mixed lead times

AMU’s July survey showed selective lead-time pressure in sheet and billet while transportation-focused respondents expressed stronger concern about future supply.

Postle plans two extrusion presses at Howe site

Postle Aluminum plans two extrusion presses at a repurposed Howe, Indiana, site to expand production of larger profiles and trim products.

ADC Aerospace acquires Hyatt Die Cast & Engineering

ADC Aerospace acquired Hyatt Die Cast & Engineering, expanding its aluminum and zinc die casting range ahead of a planned consolidation in Buena Park, California.

Matalco output rebounds from post-closure low

Matalco recorded its highest quarterly recycled aluminum production since the Canton closure began, while Rio Tinto's primary output held nearly steady and US shipments decreased.

Packaging growth leads Gränges Americas volume growth

Gränges Americas sales volume rose 7.7% in the second quarter as packaging gains outweighed lower industrial shipments tied to construction demand.

Aluminum Dynamics sets Mississippi site for relocated recycled slab center

Aluminum Dynamics will invest more than $200 million in a Mississippi recycled slab center that establishes the permanent location for a project Steel Dynamics relocated from Arizona.

Auto market check in: Production uneven despite stronger late sales

Government data show first-half automotive production remained concentrated in light trucks, while passenger car output, inventories and import flows followed a different path.

Containers, Containerized freight, Ocean freight

US resumes blockade of Iranian ports, aluminum rebounds

Additional attacks on commercial shipping, renewed US military operations and a resumed naval blockade coincided with aluminum prices recovering from early July lows.

Did aluminum markets price in peace too soon?

Aluminum prices retreated as markets priced a return to Middle East stability, but shipping attacks, military strikes and LME indicators suggest that assumption may have outpaced events.

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.