Welcome to our monthly update! Here’s a quick, 5-minute snapshot of key industry developments you’ll want to know — across nickel, aluminium, stainless, titanium, copper, brass, bronze, carbon & alloys — plus how they affect you.

Metal Market Headlines At-a-Glance

Nickel

The London Metal Exchange (LME) continues to report a steady rebound in nickel trading volumes as the market normalizes post-2022, signaling improved liquidity and more stable investor participation.
Despite this, analysts still flag structural oversupply concerns, particularly in traditional nickel markets where production remains elevated.

Aluminum

Aluminum remains the standout base metal heading into 2026, supported by expectations of a supply deficit and continued production caps in China.
The LME continues to strengthen transparency efforts across aluminum and all major base metals.

Copper & Tariffs

Copper prices stayed elevated after breaking the US $10,000/ton mark, as markets brace for the anticipated U.S. import tariff scheduled for late-2025.
A 25 % tariff could accelerate inventory building and tighten global supply channels.

Brass, Bronze, Stainless, Titanium & Carbon/Alloys

Rising raw material costs and continued surcharge swings remain influential across all alloy categories.
Brass and bronze continue to track copper and tin volatility; stainless remains tied to nickel and chromium movements; titanium demand holds firm due to aerospace needs and tight feedstock supply.

Holiday & Plant Calendar

We will be closed on December 24, 25, 26 and January 1.
Normal operations resume on the surrounding business days.
Please plan ahead — year-end volume and limited processing windows may affect turnaround times.

Thank you for your continued partnership with Continental Steel & Tube. We’re here to support your material strategy, secure supply, and help you manage cost as we move into the new year.

From all of us at Continental Steel & Tube — we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a prosperous New Year!

Best regards,
The Continental Steel & Tube Team