Importers and consumers of products containing imported components should stay alert regarding the latest logistics news, as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) plans to hold a public hearing on March 24, 2025, regarding proposed Section 301 port call fees. If implemented, this measure could reshape global shipping dynamics and have far-reaching consequences for international […]
Stuart Burns
China’s Export Tax Rebate Shock: The Aluminum Market Faces a New Reality
A much-reported but little-understood development in the aluminum market this month has the potential to significantly alter the supply chain landscape for aluminum semi-finished metals in the year ahead. Beyond that, it could have serious repercussions for the price of aluminum around the globe. As my colleague Nichole already reported, China’s Ministry of Finance canceled […]
As Alumina Prices Spike 20%, Will Aluminum Smelters Survive the Cost Squeeze?
It seems aluminum prices could be in for a shock. With so much else happening in the news, aluminum buyers could easily overlook the recent Guinea export ban on bauxite to Emirates Global Aluminum. However, this move has triggered something close to panic in the alumina market, spiking prices by over 20% this month and […]
Freight Rate Declines Open Big Savings for Metal Buyers After ILA Strike
Importers bringing in products via the East and Gulf Coast ports breathed a huge sigh of relief after the quick resolution of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike. Freight logistics concerns quickly dropped off the internal worry radar for many, who instead shifted their focus to competing priorities. However, ignoring freight would be a mistake, […]
East Coast Logistics Paralysis: Union Strikes Set to Cripple Supply Chains
Maybe the port strike was inevitable. The unions are likely hedging their bets that a softer Democrat administration will fight in their corner now in the event a less cooperative Republican administration replaces them. They could be going for it while they feel they will get a better hearing from the top. So far, that […]
LME and CME Russian Metal Ban Prompting Speculation About Market Fragmentation
By now, anyone in the metals market will know that the U.S. and UK recently banned the consumption of Russian aluminum, copper, and nickel produced from April 13 onward. While metal already on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) are still available for consumption, no metal delivered after this date […]
Base Metal Prices Contradict the Changing Supply Scenario
Given the state of the world, one would expect base metal prices to show every sign of a resurgence. Certainly, analysts have been bullish about a supply squeeze for months because sky-high natural gas prices forced record electricity costs across Europe. Just this week, the FT reported that Aluminum and Zinc smelters continue to close […]
