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Venezuela Negotiates Second Aluminum Shipment to U.S. Following 15,000-Tonne Delivery
Venezuela is negotiating a second aluminum shipment to the United States following the arrival of 15,000 metric tons in New Orleans in late September. Trading house Mercuria Energy Group and mining investor Heeney Capital are involved in the discussions, with another cargo potentially departing before the end of 2026.
Key Points
- Trade discussions: Mercuria Energy Group and Heeney Capital are negotiating another Venezuelan aluminum shipment to the U.S.
- Previous delivery: Approximately 15,000 metric tons arrived in New Orleans on September 29, 2026.
- Potential timeline: A second cargo could depart before year-end, although no final agreement has been announced.
- Producer: The initial shipment originated from Venezuela's state-owned Venalum aluminum producer.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Venezuela is in talks to export a second aluminum cargo to the United States, signaling a cautious revival in metals trade between the two countries following years of economic and diplomatic disruption.
According to Bloomberg, Mercuria Energy Group and Heeney Capital are negotiating with Venezuelan officials over a shipment expected to carry terms similar to a previous 15,000-metric-ton delivery that arrived in New Orleans in late September.
People familiar with the private discussions indicated that the second shipment could depart before the end of 2026. However, negotiations remain ongoing, and neither the final volume nor a departure date has been confirmed.
ScrapMonster Edge: A Small Shipment With Broader Supply Chain Significance
The first 15,000-tonne aluminum shipment marked the resumption of Venezuelan primary aluminum deliveries to the United States after nearly eight years.
While the volume is modest in the context of U.S. aluminum consumption, the transaction demonstrates that commercial channels for Venezuelan metal are reopening. The development also comes as U.S. trade policy continues to emphasize domestic aluminum production and supply security.
Industry takeaway: A second completed shipment would provide further evidence of renewed commercial activity, but it would not by itself establish a dependable long-term supply relationship. For aluminum buyers and traders, the next developments to monitor are confirmed shipment volumes, commercial terms and any progress toward restoring Venalum's production capabilities.
Second Aluminum Shipment Could Depart Before Year-End
The new discussions follow the first shipment of Venezuelan primary aluminum to the United States in nearly a decade.
The initial cargo, produced by state-owned CVG Venalum, arrived at the Port of Avondale in New Orleans on September 29. Heeney Capital and Mercuria participated in the transaction under an agreement involving the Venezuelan government.
Bloomberg reported that the proposed second shipment could follow similar commercial arrangements. However, Heeney Capital, Mercuria and Venezuela's Information Ministry had not publicly confirmed the new terms at the time of reporting.
Venalum Smelter Also Attracts Investor Interest
Separately, Mercuria and New York-based Heeney Capital have been engaged in discussions with Venezuelan authorities concerning the operation of the Venalum aluminum smelter.
The potential arrangements reflect growing interest in Venezuela's metals sector as international commodity companies explore opportunities to restore production and expand exports.
No final agreement regarding the smelter's operation has been confirmed.
Trade Talks Highlight Changing U.S. Aluminum Supply Relationships
The shipments represent a limited but notable reopening of aluminum trade between Venezuela and the United States.
For Venezuela, renewed exports could support industrial activity and provide access to international buyers. For U.S. customers, the deliveries offer another potential source of primary aluminum.
The developing relationship also highlights the balance between U.S. efforts to protect domestic aluminum producers through tariffs and initiatives to diversify supplies of strategically important metals.
Whether the trade develops into regular shipments will depend on the outcome of current negotiations and the ability of Venezuelan producers to maintain reliable output and deliveries.
Courtesy: www.tradersunion.com. Underlying shipment reporting: Bloomberg, November 3, 2026.
