The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) has announced the roster for its Aluminum Roundtable, taking place Thursday, Sept. 17 as part of its annual Commodities Roundtable Forum at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
The Aluminum Roundtable theme “A Global Perspective” reflects that despite poor global fundamentals that have dominated sentiment for the light metal, LME prices held within a relatively narrow band in the first six months of this year, averaging roughly 65 cents a pound—about where prices ended in 2008—according to an ISRI news release.
Midway through the third quarter, however, prices have firmed, with the three-month LME contract currently trading above 85 cents per pound thanks largely to a weaker U.S. dollar and growing optimism over the global economic climate for the second half of the year, according to ISRI.
Roundtable speakers have been asked to address several market-related questions: Will this new-found optimism continue, or will global supplies, coupled with smelter restarts, hold down the market going forward? What exactly are the prospects for a strong recovery for aluminum? And how will recycling respond?
Moderator Jay Sherwood of Schupan and Sons, Kalamazoo, Mich., has assembled a panel to address those topics that includes: Robert David, Vice President of Wise Metals Group, Linthicum Heights, Md.; Don Kassing, President and CEO of JW Aluminum, Mt. Holly, S.C.; John Woehkle, General Manager of Evermore Recycling, Nashville, Tenn.; and Jorge Vazquez, Vice President, Harbor Intelligence, Laredo, Texas.
In addition to the Aluminum Roundtable, sessions will be presented on copper, ferrous scrap, plastics and the retail sector of the economy. The complete Commodities Roundtable Program is available at www.isri.org/commodities.
The registration fee, which includes breakfasts on Tuesday and Wednesday and a buffet luncheon on Wednesday, is $295 for ISRI members and $540 for non-members. More information on the event and online registration options are at www.isri.org.