Final Thoughts
February 13, 2026
Written by Greg Wittbecker
A deal between Rio Tinto and Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco) to acquire Votorantim’s 68.6% interest in Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) in Brazil has left some people scratching their heads.
The two companies announced Jan. 30 they would form a joint venture to buy the controlling interest for $903 million.
The shipment was part of an offtake agreement between private investment group Heeney Capital, Mercuria Energy Group and the Venezuelan government.
Stellantis’ Etobicoke Casting Plant faces uncertain production commitments and potential operational disruption as Unifor prepares strike authorization votes.
Commercial vehicle orders have surged in 2026, but policy-driven timing may be making the market look stronger than current production and supplier sales.
The Midwest premium could slip if Canada reroutes primary back to the US. But the balance in supply would still be coming from other countries, likely the Persian Gulf.
Canada and the EU. Russian sanctions. China talks.
