Week-in-Review and Thoughts for the Upcoming Week of 01/26/2026
A weekly review of global political developments, market volatility and key macroeconomic data shaping equities, commodities, energy and trade heading into the week of Jan. 26.
Tag: Tariffs
Alcoa reports full-year 2025 results, details 2026 outlook
Alcoa's full-year 2025 results show higher aluminum production yet lower shipments as the company outlines its 2026 outlook and capital posture.
EU targets small packaging in new recycling partnership
The move comes as pressure is increasing to keep scrap at home but US tariff exemptions have made exports more appealing.
Join AMU Thursday for a Community Chat with Greg Wittbecker and Edward Meir
The soaring Midwest premium, scrap bans, tariffs and geopolitical issues—we have plenty to talk about in 2026.
China sees trade surplus as more partners shift from US
China's expanding trade surplus reflects a strategic rotation away from US markets and toward higher-value exports, even as domestic demand remains under pressure.
Join AMU on Jan. 22 for a Community Chat with Greg Wittbecker and Edward Meir
Join aluminum experts and Aluminum Market Update (AMU) contributors Greg Wittbecker and Edward Meir for an AMU Community Chat on on Thurs., Jan. 22, at 11 am ET to find out.
Midwest premiums: Falling Canadian imports are telling
The US has seen a drastic decline in imports from Canada.
Midwest premiums: How high is high?
The Midwest premium has risen beyond replacement economics, driven by thin liquidity, depleted US inventories, slow import response, and limited near-term substitutes - raising questions about sustainability and forward risk.
AMU Community Chat: Tanners on tariffs, smelters, and year ahead
Timna Tanners, Wells Fargo managing director, spoke about tariffs, supply and demand and the outlook for 2026 during a joint Community Chat hosted by AMU and its sister publication Steel Market Update.
To hedge or not to hedge
As aluminum markets head into 2026, LME prices appear structurally supported while the Midwest premium looks increasingly risky and politically distorted, forcing buyers and sellers to hedge very differently.