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.

Hydro's primary aluminum stability contrasts with softer extrusion demand

Hydro reported steady primary aluminum output and forward price visibility, while North American extrusion volumes reflected ongoing end-market softness.

Tampa Steel Conference: Steel grades reallocate as aluminum holds ground in auto design

Emissions rules, production limits and material substitution are reshaping steel and aluminum use in North American vehicles.

LS Cable expands US medium-voltage capacity

LS Cable's $50 million Tarboro expansion adds medium-voltage CCV capacity.

Ford results: Oswego restart, truck output and putting numbers to aluminum sheet

Ford’s fourth-quarter earnings show how aluminum supply disruptions, shifting production and inventory tightness shaped truck output and sourcing decisions heading into 2026.

HVAC market: What recent earnings reveal about residential, commercial demand

Recent earnings from major HVAC manufacturers show residential demand constrained by channel adjustments, while commercial activity - especially in the Americas - remains the primary source of volume support.

Century's Hawesville smelter sale in the context of US primary aluminum

The smelter had been the largest domestic source of high-purity primary aluminum used in aerospace and defense applications—arguably falling under the national security rationale of Section 232.

Gränges' 2025 earnings show higher shipments and late-year margin shifts

Gränges' 2025 results show rising shipments and revenue, but late-year profit concentration driven by product mix, pricing pass-through and utilization effects.

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.