July has proven to be a stronger month for the aluminum distribution sector than market participants had originally feared, with many service centers reporting stable sales volumes in the traditionally sluggish month and some even calling July the best month in recent history.

"We're very, very busy. This is our best month in two years," one domestic service center source said. "Each month this year has been significantly better than the month before. We're really having a fantastic run. All the major industries are very active, and we continue to see a sustainable upward trend."

A second source agreed that activity in the aluminum distribution sector has continued to improve, albeit moderately, into July. "July is better than June. We're actually seeing our business slightly up. It's not overwhelming, but it makes us feel better about things," he...