Argus Media

In this episode, Argus examines the intensifying supply squeeze in global aluminum markets following the outbreak of the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. With inventories at historically low levels and competition for units increasing across regions, supply security has become the dominant concern for consumers. Our experts explore how trade flows, premiums and secondary markets are responding, and why tightness may persist through the remainder of 2026.

Covered in this episode

• Why security of supply has overtaken sustainability and policy as the top priority for aluminum buyers

• The impact of Middle East disruption on global availability, inventories and LME market structure

• How European and US premiums are moving — and why further upside remains likely

• The role of tariffs, trade flows and regional competition in shaping the US aluminium market

• Why demand destruction has so far been limited despite historically high prices

• The outlook for supply if the Strait of Hormuz reopens in the immediate future — including the release of stockpiled metal

• How scrap and secondary aluminum markets are responding, particularly in Europe and the US

Discussões climáticas estão em um momento de transição, com alguns países querendo cada vez mais foco em combustíveis fósseis e menos em emissões, enquanto outros seguem resistentes a essa mudança. Acompanhe a conversa entre Camila Fontana, chefe adjunta da redação da Argus no Brasil, e o editor Lucas Parolin. 

 

Alguns dos tópicos deste episódio: 

 

• Foco anterior no papel das emissões de carbono no aquecimento global 

• Acordos das COP e gargalos de implementação  

• União de países pela transição para longe dos combustíveis fósseis 

• Combate a aspectos econômicos que dificultam a transição  

• Fluxos comerciais e exportação de emissões 

• Incentivos aos biocombustíveis  

Las discusiones climáticas atraviesan un momento de transición, con algunos países que buscan cada vez más centrarse en los combustibles fósiles y menos en las emisiones, mientras que otros se mantienen resistentes a este cambio. Siga la conversación entre Camila Fontana, subdirectora de la redacción de Argus en Brasil, y el editor Lucas Parolin. 

 

Algunos de los temas de este episodio: 

 

• Enfoque previo en el papel de las emisiones de carbono en el calentamiento global 

• Acuerdos de las COP y cuellos de botella en su implementación 

• Unión de países para la transición alejándose de los combustibles fósiles 

• Afrontar los desafíos económicos que dificultan la transición 

• Flujos comerciales y la exportación de emisiones 

• Incentivos para los biocombustibles 

Climate discussions are at a moment of transition, with some countries increasingly calling for greater focus on fossil fuels and less emphasis on emissions, while others remain resistant to this shift. Follow the conversation between Camila Fontana, deputy bureau chief of Argus in Brazil, and editor Lucas Parolin. 

Some of the topics in this episode: 

 

• Previous focus on the role of carbon emissions in global warming 

• COP agreements and implementation bottlenecks 

• Coalition of countries pushing for a transition away from fossil fuels 

• Addressing economic challenges that hinder the transition 

• Trade flows and the export of emissions 

• Incentives for biofuels 

Welcome to this Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast episode, part of the Chemical Conversations series. 

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives on:

·  Continued impacts from the war in Iran

·  Global market update on prices, trade flows and supply and demand

·  Update on low-carbon methanol projects and post-IMO spring meeting reflection

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.

Argus and CME Group discuss the price signals, trading activity and risk tools emerging around higher-GHG ethanol.

In this episode, Anna Prokhorova (Senior reporter - waste feedstocks, Biofuels, Argus Media) is joined by Arezki Djelouadji (partner, Greenea) to explore the reasons behind the disconnect — from UCO’s structural pricing link to Ucome, to the role of blend walls, growing demand from HVO and SAF, and the rise of feedstock flexibility.

They also look at shifting global trade flows and what changing US policy means for European markets, and why short-term signals differ from the longer-term outlook.

Asian LPG markets are settling into a new reality as the Strait of Hormuz closure enters its third month. Deputy Editor Waldemar Jaszczyk and Singapore-based LPG Editor Frances Goh examine how the biggest buyers of Middle East cargoes — India and China — are coping with prolonged supply disruption through pivot to US barrels and sharp demand reduction. They also assess whether the recent trade-flow re‑routing will last and what it could mean for regional pricing benchmarks.

This episode was recorded on 1 May 2026

Global energy markets are at a turning point—and the Middle East is right at the center. Supply remains constrained by regional tensions, while demand continues to hold strong, especially across Asia. The United Arab Emirates is redefining its role within OPEC, signaling a shift toward greater production independence and long-term strategy over collective control.

Join Tom Reed, VP – China, Crude and Oil Products and Dubai‑based experts Nader Itayim, Middle East Editor and Sarah Raffoul, Manager-Analytics and Consulting in this exclusive video insight. 

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of how the Middle East conflict is impacting the potash market and discover why potash stands out as an anomaly – with demand rising despite the war, defying historical trends. This episode focuses on production, logistics, prices, the lack of demand destruction, future risks, key takeaways and what to watch out for next.

Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers and Julia Campbell, Global Editor - Potash as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• How has the Middle East war directly or indirectly affected the MOP and SOP markets?
• How have MOP and SOP prices developed since the war started?
• Why hasn’t there been demand destruction in the potash market?
• What’s driving global potash demand?
• What risks do the MOP and SOP markets face if the war continues?
• What roles do production and freight costs play in the MOP and SOP markets?
• How much of an impact is the rising cost of sulphur having on the SOP market?
• What are the key takeaways and what should we watch out for next?

Related links

• Argus Potash price reporting service | More info | Request trial
• More information: Potash short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights