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.

Market Headlines At‑a‑Glance

Nickel

  • The London Metal Exchange (LME) reports that trading volumes for nickel rebounded strongly after the 2022 crisis — signalling renewed investor interest.
  • Despite that, analysts remain cautious: oversupply risks persist, particularly for traditional nickel markets.
  • For you: Keep an eye on lead‑times and premium charges for nickel‑alloy products; though activity is up, the supply base remains under pressure.

Aluminium

  • Aluminium is projected to be the bull pick among base metals for 2025, driven by expected supply shortfall (~365 kt in 2026) and capacity caps in China.
  • The LME continues to provide data and transparency on aluminium and other base metals.
  • For you: Anticipate upward pressure on aluminium product pricing and possible longer lead times for castings and extrusions.

Copper & Tariffs

  • Copper prices surged past US $10,000/tonne amid concerns over U.S. tariffs on imports — signaling a possible major shift in trade flows.
  • A 25 % tariff on U.S. copper imports has been predicted for late‑2025, which could drive stockpiling and higher premiums in the near‑term.
  • For you: If you purchase copper or copper‑alloy products, factor in potential tariff‑driven price hikes and consider locking inventory where feasible.

Brass, Bronze, Stainless, Titanium & Carbon/Alloys

  • Rising raw metal costs, surcharge volatility, and supply chain feedback loops continue to impact all alloy families.
  • For example, brass and bronze are impacted by copper and tin movements; stainless by nickel and chromium shifts; titanium by aerospace demand and feedstock constraints.
  • For you: Maintain close contact with your ordering team — margins may tighten, and alloy specification changes may become more common to control cost and lead‑time risk.

LME Evolution & Structural Change

  • The LME is evolving: after the 2022 nickel turmoil, it’s now recovering but facing competition.
  • Additionally, the LME is moving toward a “green metals” premium for sustainably‑sourced aluminium, copper, nickel and zinc — a factor that could influence contract terms going forward.
  • For you: Sustainability‑linked sourcing may affect lead times, premiums, and contract wording — check whether your material spec includes “green” designation or related requirements.

Holiday & Plant Calendar

  • Closed on Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday, November 28.
  • Normal operations resume Monday, December 1.
  • Please plan your orders early to accommodate for limited processing time around the holiday period.

Customer‑Focused Takeaways

  • Lock in pricing & volume where you can — tariffs and supply constraints are tightening markets.
  • Monitor lead‑time risk and order early, especially for specialized alloys.
  • Plan around the Thanksgiving closure — orders near the holiday may experience delays.

Quick Recap

  • Nickel: recovering market but oversupply remains.
  • Aluminium: standout for 2025 with supply shortfall.
  • Copper: tariff cloud intensifies.
  • Alloys: ripple effects across brass, bronze, stainless, titanium.
  • LME: moving toward green premiums and transparency.
  • Holiday: Closed Nov 27‑28 — order accordingly.

Thank you for your continued partnership with Continental Steel & Tube. We’re here to help you optimise material strategy, secure supply and control cost.

Wishing you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving — and a strong finish to 2025!

Best regards,
The Continental Steel & Tube Team