Mario Conserva, Secretary General of FACE and a veteran with over six decades in the aluminium industry, brings unmatched expertise as founder of METEF, leader of A&L Alluminio e Leghe, and a pioneering contributor with 800+ technical works. Recognised by the IAI as one of the 50 most influential global aluminium figures, he continues to shape policy, innovation and downstream competitiveness across Europe.
In an interview for “End-user Revolution: ALuminium's Impact on Modern Living” e-Magazine, Conserva talked about Europe’s shifting aluminium landscape, covering inflation-led demand changes, pricing volatility, downstream supply pressures, mobility-driven consumption, scrap and duty policies, CBAM implications and FACE’s role in strengthening SME competitiveness and securing stable access to low-carbon, high-quality metal.
AL Circle: In the European Union, the annual inflation rate was 2.6 per cent in September 2025, compared to 2.1 per cent a year earlier. What has been the impact of this growing inflation rate on the buying sentiment in the EU market? Do you think aluminium products have experienced any ripple effects of high inflation rate?
Mario Conserva: I believe that beyond the general economic conditions—which are not particularly brilliant in the Old Continent—aluminium is increasingly establishing itself as a key metal of the global economy, as demonstrated by prices and premiums, which remain solid. China dominates global production, with over 43 million tonnes of primary aluminium produced last year, out of a global total of more than 73 million, but it faces self-imposed limits in terms of environmental protection, and a global primary metal supply crisis could emerge.
AL Circle: The global LME aluminium price has skyrocketed in the recent time, standing close to $2,900/t. How has this surge influenced the pricing of downstream products and, consequently, the cost of end-user goods?
Mario Conserva: Looking at today’s short-term situation, aluminium EU demand is on average in a weaker phase. However, traders expect further price increases, also because US premiums are attracting Canadian supplies away from Europe. Duty-paid premiums in Rotterdam have risen to more than USD 350 per tonne, reflecting the possible scarcity of material. Despite normal ups and downs, European aluminium premiums remain solid, currently supported by lower availability, deriving from the production cuts at the Icelandic smelter Nordural and by concerns related to Mozal, contingent and not structural issues. The general economy of the euro area performed better than expected in the third quarter of 2025, showing a slight increase in GDP, supported by more solid investment and a reduced negative impact from foreign trade.
Looking at the global economic system, there is a little reason to be pessimistic: Germany and Italy remained substantially stable, while France, Spain, and several other economies recorded results above expectations. In addition, early indicators for the fourth quarter suggest further improvements.
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