As you plan your purchases for the final months of 2026, there are several market movements worth keeping on your radar. Nickel strengthened during July, copper remains at elevated levels, and cobalt supply continues to be one of the bigger uncertainties in the specialty metals market. These movements can directly affect your stainless steel, nickel alloy, copper alloy, and high-performance material costs.
The good news is that availability across most of the products we supply remains manageable. If you know what you’ll need for Q4 or early 2027, now is a good time to talk with us. Our sales team can help you review pricing, lead times, sourcing options, and blanket-order opportunities so you can make purchasing decisions with better visibility and fewer surprises.
Market Headlines At-a-Glance
- Cobalt remains near historically elevated levels, with the DRC’s export quota system continuing to restrict global supply.
- Nickel strengthened during July, adding renewed pressure to stainless and nickel-alloy pricing.
- Copper has become one of the strongest stories in the metals market, supported by constrained supply and growing electrical demand.
- Titanium continues to attract attention as aerospace and defense customers focus increasingly on secure domestic and Western supply chains.
- Heading toward Q4, advance purchasing and forecasting remain valuable tools for managing both price and availability.
Nickel
Nickel deserves renewed attention heading into September.
LME cash nickel started July around $16,175 per metric ton and reached approximately $17,205/MT on July 24, an increase of more than 6% from the beginning of the month before giving back part of the gain.
At the same time, LME inventories declined during much of July, adding support to the market.
Aluminium
Aluminium remains comparatively balanced, with demand from transportation, aerospace, infrastructure, and electrical applications continuing to provide support.
Compared with some of the more volatile metals, aluminium has offered buyers a more predictable purchasing environment.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel continues to follow the direction of its major alloying inputs.
The renewed strength in nickel during July is particularly important because it can translate into higher alloy surcharges even when stainless base prices remain relatively stable.
Titanium
Titanium continues to be one of the more strategically important metals in the U.S. market.
Aerospace and defense demand remains strong, and supply-chain security is receiving increased attention. The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency recently sought additional industry information regarding titanium and magnesium supply, including demand, lead times and stockpiling practices.
Certain titanium supply chains remain structurally constrained, particularly for qualified aerospace and defense material.
Copper, Brass & Bronze
Copper may be the metal to watch most closely heading into the fall.
Copper has recently traded above $6.60/lb, supported by constrained mine supply and increasing demand from electrical infrastructure, electrification and rapidly expanding AI/data-center construction.
That demand story is important: data centers require significant electrical infrastructure, and copper remains difficult to substitute in many of those applications.
Brass and bronze buyers should continue watching copper closely because movements in the underlying metal typically flow through to both product families.
Carbon Steel & Alloys
Carbon and alloy steel markets remain comparatively balanced as we enter September.
Domestic mills continue to maintain pricing discipline, while demand varies considerably by end market and product.
Cobalt Watch: Supply Is Still the Story
The cobalt story that we have followed throughout the summer is not over yet.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo — the dominant source of mined cobalt globally — is operating a quota-based export system. The country’s planned 2026 export quota totals approximately 96,600 metric tons, including a base allocation of roughly 7,250 tons per month.
Cobalt prices have consequently remained elevated. LME/Fastmarkets cobalt contracts were around $56,000 per metric ton in late July.
Interestingly, tight supply has not translated into another immediate price spike because demand from areas such as batteries and consumer electronics has been softer. That balance between restricted supply and softer demand is helping keep the market from becoming even more volatile.
Industry Spotlight: AI Is Becoming a Metals Story
Artificial intelligence may sound like a technology-sector story, but increasingly it is also a metals story.
The rapid construction of data centers is increasing demand for electrical infrastructure, power generation and grid capacity — all of which require substantial quantities of copper, aluminium and steel.
Copper has been one of the clearest beneficiaries. With supply already constrained, additional demand from data centers is contributing to a market where new sources of metal will be increasingly important.
For industrial buyers, this is another reminder that metals demand is evolving. Aerospace, defense, electrification, energy infrastructure and now AI-related construction are competing for many of the same raw materials and manufacturing capacity.
Blanket Orders: Start Thinking About Q4 and 2027
September is an excellent time to begin reviewing your remaining 2026 requirements and early 2027 forecasts.
With nickel moving again, copper at elevated levels and strategic metals such as cobalt and titanium facing supply constraints, blanket orders can provide an effective way to secure material and create greater cost visibility.
Continental Steel & Tube can work with customers to establish blanket orders with scheduled releases, allowing you to reserve material based on expected consumption without necessarily taking your entire requirement at once.
If you have recurring requirements, talk with our sales team. We can review your forecast and help determine whether a blanket order makes sense for your business.
Looking Ahead
September begins an important purchasing period as companies prepare for Q4 and start building their 2027 forecasts. The market is not without challenges, but there are also opportunities for buyers who plan ahead.
Our goal at Continental Steel & Tube is not simply to quote material — we want to help you understand the market, evaluate your options, and find the right solution for your requirements.
Have a question about pricing, availability, lead times, blanket orders, or a difficult-to-source material? Give our sales team a call. We’re here to help.
Continental Steel & Tube — your source for metals, market knowledge, and responsive service.