Aluminum Scrap Markets
May 4, 2026
Written by Nicholas Bell
Hydro reported higher upstream output in the first quarter even as curtailments in the Middle East continued to reshape output and allocation.
Total primary production reached 517 thousand metric tons (kmt), up 2.7% year over year. The increase came from higher run rates at Norwegian smelters, offset reduced output tied to regional disruptions.
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.
