Week in Review: Logistics challenges, auto shakeups and more

Aluminum is feeling the squeeze from climate policies and protectionist measures. RMU’s Gabriella Vagnini digs into what’s happening to that key part of the metals industry and how the shift to using recycled aluminum will impact prices.

The results of our monthly survey are in. A recurring obstacle mentioned by several participants is the impact of logistical challenges. For example, a processor/recycler noted a “lack of booking and equipment at ports” as a major barrier to efficient recycled metal flow. Similarly, other processors pointed to the slow movement of recycled metals at ports as a problem that could disrupt the flow and shipment of materials. You can look through the results here.

The construction sector is important for scrap. Recycled metals are a feedstock for the steel and aluminum that are used to build. And the work generates scrap that will be reused as the cycle continues. So it’s interesting to note that construction jobs have been gaining as of late. In fact, they’ve been one of the sectors boosting overall employment. RMU’s Stephanie Ritenbaugh has the latest.

Beleaguered European automaker Stellantis is undergoing a major shakeup. As our sister publication, Steel Market Update, reports, CEO Carlos Tavares will step down in early 2026. The company announced other sweeping management changes, including a new North America CEO. The news comes as the company has recently lowered its 2024 guidance due to woes in the North American market and weakening global industry dynamics. As SMU also notes, Stellantis isn’t the only automaker to cut workers, as GM also announced layoffs.

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