The US aluminium industry is experiencing challenges related to tariffs, which have contributed to higher prices and premiums, raising questions about potential impacts on demand. Alcoa's CEO has noted that sustained high prices could affect the domestic market. While trade agreements might provide some relief, analysts expect premiums to remain elevated in the near term. However, aluminum demand is projected to grow over the long term, supported by the energy transition and clean energy projects. To meet this demand, the industry will need to increase production, restart idle smelters and address factors such as electricity costs and global competition.

Get the latest on potential port strikes in Sweden and how they could affect pulp and paper trade in the region.

Read Fastmarkets' monthly base metals market for May 2025 focusing on raw materials including copper, nickel aluminium, lead, zinc and tin.

Learn about the future of housing as experts discuss market conditions, builder challenges and strategies for success.

The DRC is set to decide on the future of its cobalt export ban on June 22, potentially extending, modifying or ending the policy. Aimed at boosting local refining and value creation, the ban has left global markets uncertain, with stakeholders calling for clarity as cobalt prices fluctuate and concerns over long-term demand grow.

Fastmarkets' Tina Tong discusses adopting ESG practices for a sustainable ferro-alloys future

The US trade roller coaster ride seems to be flattening, with signs of potential moderation and stability. It appears increasingly likely that our original expectation that the US Trump administration would primarily use the threat of tariffs as a negotiating strategy will be correct. While we do not expect to the US tariff position return to pre-2025 levels, we believe the overall US tariff burden is more likely to settle at around 10-30% globally rather than the elevated rates of 50-100% that seemed possible in recent weeks.

Several key developments will determine how the global iron ore market performs in the coming months, sources told Fastmarkets this week: uncertainty over China-US trade tensions; the likelihood of Chinese crude steel production cuts; the declining quality and premiums for mid-grade ore from Australia; and the increased use of lower-grade iron.

Read Fastmarkets' monthly battery raw materials market update for May 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more

Learn how timber imports affect the US economy regarding Canadian softwood lumber and future trade policies.