Aluminum Scrap Markets
December 17, 2025
Written by Greg Wittbecker
As we look ahead to 2026, many are asking the question: “What should I hedge?”
Hindsight is always 20/20. People say, “I should have hedged London Metal Exchange (LME) and Midwest premium in 2025.” Now, they are challenging themselves with the same question, but at significantly higher entry points.
US aluminum scrap imports increased faster than exports through August, while similar tonnage gains kept net exports near year earlier levels.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, challenging the district court’s decision to uphold Oregon’s version of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that are popping up across the country.
Rio Tinto will exclusively market billet from RevoCast’s new British Columbia plant under a long-term agreement combining primary and recycled aluminum.
Recycler forward expectations swung toward oversupply in September as inventory drawdowns eased and export demand lost August’s improving responses.
Aluminum sheet lead times rose in September even as more respondents became more comfortable with overall supply.
