Soaring Coal Prices Are Squeezing Aluminum Supply

Consumers have looked aghast at rising aluminum prices this year and wondered how much longer it can continue. The explanation that global economies are bouncing back from pandemic lockdowns has encouraged many to hope that once supply chains are restocked, demand will ease and aluminum prices will fall.

But several sources are suggesting the tightness of the aluminum market is more deep-seated. Aluminum prices and the demand picture Inventory supply chain restocking is driving demand in North America and Europe. That process has been exacerbated…