AMU's monthly roundup: Midwest premiums, tariffs, and lots of scrap news
There’s a lot of news to keep track of, so we’re lending a hand with highlights from the past month and what they mean for you.
Tag: Midwest premium
LME contangoes: Why they may or may not matter
Volatile LME spreads may not directly dictate physical aluminum prices, but with tight inventories, rising Midwest premiums, and traders creating "artificial contangoes", financing costs are increasingly being pushed into the physical market.
Mating season is upon U.S. and negotiations could be difficult
U.S. aluminum buyers and sellers are bracing for a bruising 2026 contract season as tariffs, tight supply, and shifting scrap economics threaten to push Midwest premiums and upcharges to unprecedented levels.
The state of primary aluminum inventories in the U.S.
They're low. This is what's going on.
Is there a path forward for a U.S.-Canada aluminum deal? Part 1.
The lack of progress on aluminum concessions is frustrating to people on both sides of the border given the precedent of concessions in crude oil and potash.
The enigma of recycled metals’ apparent demand and pricing
The U.S. scrap market is sitting on a significant opportunity in UBC and zorba recovery, but without structural change and serious private-public investment, that potential will keep slipping through our fingers.
Will other smelters follow Mt. Holly's restart?
With Century's Mt. Holly coming back online, the real question is whether other idled U.S. smelter capacity have any realistic path to restart.
The fallout from the unprecedented movement in Midwest Premiums
Reductions in Canadian supply is on factor in Midwest physical supply, and it will only get worse as we move forward.
AMU Survey: Demand outlook uncertain
Aluminum market participants are increasingly concerned about demand, according to the results of our latest survey. And yet most - nearly 80% - expect the Midwest Premium to hold steady or increase on the impact of President Trump's tariffs.
Hydro to cut spending guidance amid economic uncertainty
“We have, so far, not seen big changes to our operations from tariffs and potential trade wars. Our main concern is whether the uncertainty will lead to a global economic downturn.”