Aluminum takes the wheel: Passenger car reaches a crossroads
For domestic automotive manufacturers, first quarter earnings results defined by a familiar theme: suspended guidance and constant references to “tariff uncertainty”.
Tag: Market
Why FTZs and in-bond warehousing still matter in a tough tariff environment
With tariffs back on the table, aluminum companies are feeling the squeeze. While most attention has focused on cost hikes and policy shifts, some critical tools are still in play. Foreign trade zones (FTZ) and in-bond warehousing may not offer the same levers they once did, but they still give companies a way to manage risk, improve flexibility, and stay competitive - especially if you're handling LME-grade primary aluminum or shifting toward recycled inputs.
What CRU’s new outlook could mean for the downstream aluminum market
CRU just took a red pen to its global economic forecast and they didn’t hold back. They’re calling this the biggest monthly downgrade since the pandemic, and tariffs are at the center of it.
Buried in the footnotes: Overlooked numbers that mattered in earnings season
With earnings season largely behind us it’s time to move past the headline numbers and into the filings – where a few key items across major downstream players deserve closer scrutiny.
CDFI fund freezes new CDE applications: Why it could matter for aluminum and recycled metals
Starting June 2, the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund is putting a pause on new applications for Community Development Entity (CDE) certification. They’re calling it a blackout period. It’s temporary, for now, but it’s something to watch, especially if you’re in construction or metals.
February aluminum market: Stability, uncertainty, and the weight of tariffs
The February survey of aluminum market participants points to a market in flux, largely stable but fragile, with looming uncertainties driven by tariffs, shifting demand patterns, and supply constraints. While many respondents see a balanced market in the near term, pockets of undersupply exist, particularly in specific scrap grades and finished products. As we move […]
Week in Review: A market on edge
What happened this week: Why it matters: What to watch next: For now, MWP remains elevated, but the key question isn’t if a correction comes, it’s when.
What's moving, what's next, and what to watch
Tariffs are making headlines, but aluminum doesn’t wait for politics to play out. The market is already shifting, supply chains are adjusting, and smart money is moving ahead of the noise. So, where does that leave us? What’s happening right now?What if this escalates further?What should we be doing now?What’s Happening? The biggest shifts aren’t […]
Can trade ties survive tariffs?
On January 10th, a newly formed Canada-U.S. Trade Council was formed. It is meant to smooth over growing trade tensions, inspired by the tariff threat, but skepticism is already running high. A service center I spoke with dismissed the council outright, saying, “The bios are heavy on politicians, which means little will be accomplished.” It’s […]
