Global Trade
August 26, 2025
Written by Greg Wittbecker
Container rates, as reported by leading freight analysts — Drewry, Xeneta, and others — continue to fall steadily. Rates have now declined for 10 consecutive weeks.
The effect of substantial front-end loading of transpacific freight from China and Southeast Asia appears to still be lingering, as spot demand remains weak for many carriers.
EGA has restarted 631 of Al Taweelah’s 1,262 reduction cells and still expects the smelter to return to full production in Q1 2027.
Recycler forward views shifted toward undersupply in October even as Midwest Premium and UBC expectations moved lower.
Aluminum sheet lead times rose modestly in October, while broader supply indicators remained largely stable after September’s shift.
Alcoa expects two other unnamed sites to follow the Massena East sale.
A Luxembourg court withdrew an order blocking a potential sale of Ardagh Metal Packaging, allowing Ardagh Holdings to resume preparations.
