Steel prices are climbing, freight is tightening, and tariffs remain a wildcard. We cover the latest across steel, stainless, logistics, and policy—plus practical insights for navigating today’s market.

Aluminum markets are under pressure. Supply disruptions, smelter outages, and import slowdowns are driving prices higher and tightening availability. We dig into what’s happening—and what buyers should be doing right now. 

Global markets are improving—but a major disruption is building. We break down rising inflation, Fed uncertainty, and the growing energy crisis tied to Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz. What it means for supply chains, commodities, and recession risk. 

In this episode of Cup of Joe, Mike and Nick are joined by John Shipman, Ryerson’s Product Manager for Stainless Long Products, to discuss what’s happening in the stainless long market. John shares insights on current lead times, pricing trends driven by nickel, and the growing demand coming from data centers, aerospace, and energy. The conversation also covers how supply chains, imports, and specialized processing capabilities are shaping the stainless market today. 

Metals markets are moving fast—and several key commodities are hitting critical levels.

In this commodities update, Nick Webb breaks down what’s driving the latest movements across steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel markets. Steel prices have climbed back above $1,000 per ton, aluminum premiums are reaching record highs, and tungsten carbide prices have surged due to supply restrictions from China.

Manufacturing activity is finally showing signs of life—but the global economy isn’t out of the woods yet. In this macro update from Cup of Joe, Nick Webb walks through the latest data showing improving manufacturing momentum while highlighting the risks still facing global supply chains. From geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to shifting tariff policies and inflation pressures, several factors could influence industrial demand in 2026.

In the final episode of our three-part Cup o’ Joe special, we focus on steel and stainless. We discuss current market dynamics, policy influences, and longer-term implications for producers, buyers, and the broader metals landscape. 

Part 2 of our three-part Cup o’ Joe special focuses on aluminum. We explore current supply and demand dynamics, cost pressures, and regional differences—and what they signal about where the aluminum market may be headed.

In Part 1 of a three-part Cup o’ Joe special, we break down the macroeconomic forces influencing today’s metals market—from demand signals to broader economic uncertainty—and explain why this moment feels different. 

In this episode, Nick shares his metal market predictions for 2026, focusing on the central tension facing the industry: whether demand weakens materially or pricing finally breaks under pressure.

The discussion moves beyond surface-level data to examine buyer psychology, purchasing patterns, inventory behavior, and the economic forces influencing the metal market. Rather than calling for a collapse or a surge, the episode outlines realistic scenarios and the triggers that could shift the balance.