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: Supply
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.
LKQ sells its self-service business
LKQ Corp.'s decision to sell its Self Service segment may look like a minor portfolio shift, but it strikes at the heart of the U.S. auto dismantling systems that feeds into the zorba supply chain.
The state of primary aluminum inventories in the U.S.
They're low. This is what's going on.
Section 232 derivative guide, Part 1: Appliances, vehicles and tools
Part 1 of a deeper look at the expanded Section 232 tariffs on aluminum derivatives.
Parsing the new tariffs on semi-fabricated aluminum products
The latest Section 232 expansion brings tariffs deeper into semi-fabricated aluminum - here's a breakdown of what's now in scope and how it ties back upstream.
Aluminz's new plant and the recasting of Texas/Oklahoma scrap map
From Mount Pleasant to Sapulpa, the supply chain is shifting with implications for scrap flows.
Residential construction markets diverge
The single-family sector has come to terms with the current housing climate, while multi-family is still learning the hard way.
Import report card: Fragmented by design
The latest import data reveals a market no longer shaped by supply and demand alone, but by tariffs, carveouts, and timing.
Hydro Extrusions production recertified by ASI
The recertification, which is valid for three years, includes the company’s ingot casting, rolling of aluminum coils and strips, extrusion, fabrication and surface finishing, and the manufacturing of aluminum tubes.