A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trump’s aluminum tariffs is how differently it’s playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some […]
Category: Logistics
Aluminum Delivery Premiums Spiking After Tariffs, are Aluminum Freight Bottlenecks Coming?
In the past month, the cost of importing aluminum into the United States has risen sharply. This occurred as aluminum market delivery premiums, the added charges above the base metal price for physical shipments, came close to record highs. This surge in costs stems primarily from a combination of fresh U.S. tariffs, global shipping delays, […]
Auto Shock: Trump’s 25% Tariff Sends Europe Reeling
The “Trump Tariffs” continue to shock global markets, affecting multiple major sectors. Recently, European auto manufacturing ombudsmen reacted with alarm to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% import tariff on auto imports into the United States. EU Auto Leaders React to Trump Tariffs Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, […]
Buckle Up, Shippers: U.S. Eyes Up to $1.5M Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
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 […]
Aluminum Trade War Heats Up: How Will China and India React to U.S. Tariffs?
The world now waits to see how two aluminum market leaders, China and India, will react to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on metal imports. Between them, these two nations produce about 50 million metric tons (MT) of aluminum yearly. However, China significantly outpaces India, alone producing about 43 MT per year. […]
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 […]
Costs Set to Rise for U.S. Importers
An unexpected surge in demand could complicate global import logistics, raising prices for U.S. importers. So far, global GDP growth has remained broadly positive this year, with growth rates consistently above expectations. Reports also indicate that manufacturing PMIs are at their highest level in almost two years, and a rising demand for shipping space seems […]
Automotive MMI: How Will the Port of Baltimore Shutdown Impact Automotive Imports?
Month-over-month, the Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) exhibited little movement. The index trended sideways, only moving up a slight 0.28%. However, recent events continue to raise questions about the future of the industry, especially where automotive imports are concerned. Despite the index itself not witnessing much movement, individual components of the index saw much more […]
Major Trading Routes in Pandemonium: Houthi Rebels Attack the Red Sea
The recent surge in assaults on vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels significantly impacted global commerce and maritime pathways. These intensified attacks continue to disrupt one of the busiest trade corridors on the planet, leading to longer voyage time, increased fuel consumption, and a potential need for larger fleets. Moreover, the resulting disruptions […]
Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes
Buyers who depend on imports for semi-finished materials or finished components will undoubtedly cheer the recent fall in freight rates. Indeed, global logistics costs peaked in late 2022. Now, buyers will soon see relief from the historic highs of the COVID-induced ocean freight-feeding frenzy. Indeed, few will shed a tear to learn that many shipping […]
