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Aluminum is a lightweight metal used in cars, airplanes, packaging, and construction. It's generally cheaper and lighter than copper, which makes it common for industries needing materials in large volumes. Its price has been affected by tariffs on US imports, sanctions on some major producers, and energy costs, since making aluminum from raw ore requires a lot of electricity. Construction activity, car manufacturing, and global trade conditions also affect demand.
What to watch: Tariff and trade policy news, energy prices in major producing regions, and global manufacturing and construction data.