This year’s Aluminium China in Shanghai from 19-21 July is set to mark a new period of growth in the aluminium industry and reflect strengthening market conditions in China and across the world. Aluminium China 2017 will focus on the transformation driven by emerging new technologies in areas such as lightweight vehicle manufacturing and consumer electronics.

With China speeding up the upgrading of its vehicle emission standards to control exhaust pollution, the China Automotive Engineering Society’s ‘Energy-saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Road Map’ predicts that by 2035, annual car production and sales in China will reach 38 million units, with new energy car sales accounting for 40%. Research shows that every 100kg weight reduced is translated to 0.3-0.6liters less fuel consumption per 100kms distance travelled. Aluminium alloy replaces steel with equivalent functionality at only 50%-60% of its weight and also helps to reduce emissions and enhance fuel burning, making the use of aluminium a top choice for the auto industry.

As a key fundamental metal, aluminium is a barometer for the non-ferrous industry as well as the entire national industry in China. While used widely in traditional sectors such as construction, railway and packaging, aluminium has been playing an increasing role in consumer electronics and new energy vehicles. 

2016 saw supply-side reform of the aluminium industry in China spearheaded by the CPC (Communist Party of China) central leadership and the state council. As a result, after years of losses, the aluminium metallurgy industry – including aluminium oxide, electrolytic aluminium and recycled aluminium sectors – finally regained profitability to deliver a strong boost to the industry. Furthermore, the 13th Five-Year Plan for the Non-Ferrous Industry released in October 2016 by MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China) provides guidance to the aluminium industry and predicts more opportunities for development and growth. 

The 13th Aluminium China will build on the success of 2016, which showcased 400 exhibitors across 35,000sqm, demonstrating their latest technologies and applications to 19,530 trade visitors from 75 countries and regions. Focusing on aluminium use in lightweight auto and consumer electronics, the 2017 event will offer in-depth coverage of welding, junction and other hot technical topics. It will also offer a one-stop-shop for new processes, technologies and products ranging from raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, to machinery and consumables across the full industry chain.

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“Lightweight solutions for the auto and consumer electronics industries will be highlights of 2017 and play a key role in driving growth in the aluminium industry in China and beyond,” said Chris Zang, Senior Project Manager of Aluminium China. “After a difficult period, the industry is embarking on an exciting transformation with new opportunities and a brighter future.”