Global Trade
January 6, 2026
Written by Greg Wittbecker
As we embark on a new year, we thought it would be an interesting exercise to outline some of resolutions for the aluminum industry. There are some tactical resolutions in this list that are essential for the companies involved to achieve their financial results for 2026. Some are aspirational and may take more than 2026 to happen.
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.
