
A potential easing of trade tensions between the United States and Canada could reshape the North American aluminum market, with European buyers facing the risk of stronger competition for Canadian metal. Import data from ITC Trade Map shows that US purchases of Canadian unwrought aluminum fell sharply in 2025, while imports from Canada increased across six European markets, highlighting how trade flows have evolved amid tariff uncertainty. The United States imported approximately 2.03 million metric tons of unwrought aluminum from Canada in 2025, down 25.9% from 2.74 million metric tons in 2024. The decline amounted to around 711,494 metric tons over the year. Import value also decreased, falling 22.2% from $7.82 billion to $6.09 billion. The figures come as the possibility of a...
Century Aluminum’s proposed USD 4 billion primary aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, is “moving forward on all fronts” as the company prepares for construction, despite local opposition and legal challenges, CEO Jesse Gary said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. Developed jointly by Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the project is designed to produce 750,000 tonnes of primary aluminum annually, potentially doubling U.S. primary aluminum production. The facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and add USD 1.5 billion to Oklahoma’s gross domestic product, according to company estimates. The partners had targeted construction to begin by the end of 2026. However, local restrictions and permitting challenges have affected the...
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ALUMINUM USA announced on August 27 that it is joining hands with Future Aluminium Forum, an international technology conference covering all topics related to aluminium and the significance of industry 4.0 in the industry. The Future Aluminium Forum will host a discussion session titled “Path to Industry 4.0” in the sideline of the exhibition on September 12, focussing on how the industry is developing smarter technologies across the value chain to accommodate the industry 4.0 framework. ALUMINUM USA is the leading exhibition and conference to highlight aluminium products, technologies and investments in the United States and serves as a platform to bring the aluminium industry together every two years. Panelists will highlight how different sectors are developing digital processes and...

According to a recent survey data shared by CRISIL Research, the aggregate consumption of recycled aluminium in India has surged because of low cost. While the usage of primary aluminium has logged a compound annual growth rate of 3.5 to 4 per cent in the last three years through fiscal 2019, that of recycled aluminium increased at a robust 17 to 18 per cent. As a result, the share of recycled aluminium in aggregate aluminium market in India, according to CRISIL Research survey, stands at 34 per cent as of fiscal 2019, up 800 basis points (bps) from 26 per cent three years ago. This is in line with the global trend, though the proportion is much lower compared with developed economies. Recycled aluminium offers better cost economics, said the report. For instance, the manufacture of...

On Friday, Trump announced his plans to increase tariffs on US$550 billion of imported Chinese goods over the next two months in retaliation for China’s announcement that it would impose $75 billion in tariffs on U.S. imported products beginning October 1. According to Trump’s proposal, the U.S. will increase tariffs from 10% to 15% on $300 billion Chinese imports from September 1. Tariffs will also be raised to 30% from the current 20% on US$250 billion worth of other Chinese goods beginning October 1. This again threatens to affect U.S. beer companies’ bottom lines. According to the Beer Institute, Trump’s tariffs on aluminium already amount to a US$347 million annual tax on the beer industry and the number will rise with the new tariffs. MillerCoors has reported an added cost of US$40...

Ball Corporation launched a pilot of infinitely recyclable aluminium cups in the U.S. to curb plastic waste. Ball developed the cup over the past several years for use at home and in other areas where plastic cups are common. John A. Hayes, chairman, president and chief executive officer said: "As our customers and consumers increasingly seek sustainable beverage packaging options, the launch of the aluminium cup is a significant moment for our company. It is our responsibility as the leader in aluminium beverage packaging to continuously innovate and provide solutions for our customers. We're excited to bring the aluminium cup to market and expand the product line next year and beyond." In September 2019, Ball will roll out several pilots with major venues across the U.S. to replace...

The US dollar held onto gains from the previous session as risk aversion eased on trade hopes and better economic data. The dollar index held above 98 and finished at 98.01. Base metals closed mixed. LME aluminium fell 0.42% and SHFE aluminium advanced 0.28%. After the bank holiday on Monday at LME, the three-month LME aluminium gave up all the gains accumulated overnight on Friday and slid to a low of US$1,758.5 per tonne on Tuesday. The contract then ended down 0.42% on the day at US$1,760 per tonne overnight. With further downside room, it is expected to trade between US$1,740-1,760 per tonne today. As on August 27, Tuesday, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1743 per tonne, LME official settlement price stands at US$ 1746 per tonne; 3-months bid price stands at US$ 1777 per...

As on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, the average spot alumina price stands at RMB 2500 per tonne, up by RMB 9 per tonne from its previous price of RMB 2491 per tonne. The average alumina price in East China is hovering around RMB 2510 per tonne, up RMB 10 per tonne. Alumina Central China and North China stand at RMB 2500 per tonne and RMB 2520 per tonne, up RMB 10 per tonne each. Their average price is expected to range at RMB 2490-2510 per tonne and RMB 2510-2530. Alumina South China stands at RMB 2445 per tonne, an increase of RMB 5 per tonne from RMB 2440 per tonne. A00 aluminium ingot price is up by RMB70 per tonne from its earlier price to RMB14340 per tonne today. The average price is expected to move within a range of RMB14320-14360 per tonne. Spot aluminium price is likely to be...

According to Reuters report, the net profit of Aluminium Corporation of China Limited, popularly known as Chalco, fell by 14.1 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2019, attributing to higher costs that offset an increase in revenue. As per the report, Chalco’s net income came in at RMB 705.8 million during January-June, down from a restated figure of 821.6 million a year earlier. However, overall revenue grew by 15.2 per cent to stand at RMB 94.9 billion despite a 10 per cent decline in the primary aluminium segment. In the second quarter alone, Chalco’s net profit was down by 52.7 per cent year on year to RMB 260.8 million, according to Reuters calculations, while revenue was up 11.3 per cent from the year ago. Chalco said in remarks “Due to the trade friction between China and...

China’s exports of aluminium wheel hubs dropped 0.5 per cent in July compared with the same period last year, after a drop of 13.3 per cent in June. Exports came in at 83,000 tonnes last month, customs data showed on Tuesday August 27. But exports of aluminium wheel hubs increased 15.9 per cent month-on-month in July, as reported by Shanghai Metals Market. In another update from SMM, sales of passenger vehicle in China are likely to drop to 2.2 per cent year-on-year in September, according to the projects jointly released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) and consulting firm WAYS last week. Wholesale of sedans, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are likely to stand at 1.98 million units in September, up 29.8 per cent from sales in July, as...

European aluminium foil production has registered a modest increase of close to 1% in H1 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, according to the figures released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). While European demand was slow, exports remained strong. Overseas sales have increased by 34.6% during January to June, more than double the figure sold in 2018. YTD deliveries of thinner gauge foils, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils declined 1%. Thicker gauges, used for semi-rigid containers and technical applications, were up by 4.2%, maintaining the bullish trend. However overall domestic demand decreased by 4.1% YoY. Shipments in the period from April to June 2019 increased 2.9% from Q2 2018 to 245,300 tonnes. Thinner gauges reversed recent declines...

The United Arab Emirates exported 220,000 tonnes of aluminium (crude metal and alloys and aluminium semi-finished products) to the US in the first five months of 2019, from 282,000 tonnes exported in the first five months of 2018. This records a decrease of 21.99% year-on-year. {newsStudioGallery} Exports to the US stood at 42,900 tonnes in May, down 14.37% from 50, 100 tonnes in May 2018, according to the latest Mineral Industry Survey report from US Geological Survey. But aluminium exports were up by 36.19% month-on-month. Crude metal and alloys export came in at 218,000 tonnes in the five months, as compared to 281,000 tonnes in the five months 2018. This indicates a drop of 22.42% YoY. Exports in May dropped 14.86% year-on-year, but up 37.22% month-on-month. Crude metal and alloys...

President Donald Trump last Friday announced 30% tariffs will be levied on US$250 billion of Chinese imports from October 1, up from the current 25 per cent. New tariffs set for Sept. 1 would increase to 15 per cent from current 10 per cent. The announcement came after Beijing had declared that it would place added tariffs on U.S. goods, including light vehicles. China said that it would impose additional tariffs on a total of US$75 billion of U.S. goods in retaliation for Trump’s latest planned levies on Chinese imports, creating panic among automakers and raising fears of an extended trade war. Some of China's counter tariffs will take effect starting Sept. 1, while the rest will come into effect from Dec. 15, according to the announcement from the Ministry of Commerce. China announced...

AluK, a global leader in the design and engineering of aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems, announced that the company will showcase its products at the upcoming Windows, Doors and Facades Event. The event, the fourth edition of Middle East’s largest event dedicated to windows, doors and facades industry will take place from September 24 to 26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Windows, Doors and Facades Event will showcase products and services from eight product sectors: aluminium composite panel, doors, hardware, machinery, raw materials, rollers and shutters, service providers and windows. AluK will display its ultra-thin sliding system Infinium, versatile and flexible BSF70 folding door system, curtain wall series, and many more. The company will showcase its products at...

Russia has been trying to rekindle Soviet-era relationships with governments across the African continent and build new ties. While China is dominating as an economic power in the African continent spreading its investment in the mining and infrastructure sector, Russia is building up its own role in the continent, currently focusing on relationships with Guinea. After the worsening of Russia’s economic ties with the U.S. due to sanctions, the country is looking at other markets and investment opportunities. The Russian ambassador to Guinea Alexander Bregadze, who had backed the current president Alpha Condé for the countries betterment, now joined as the head for Rusal’s key unit in Guinea, home to its biggest mining interests. Russia’s economic interest in Guinea is evident from the...

A00 aluminium ingot price has edged higher by RMB 20 per tonne or 0.14 per cent today. As on Tuesday, 27 August 2019, ingot price ranged at RMB 14250-14290 per tonne; the average price stood at RMB 14270 per tonne, from its previous price of RMB 14250 per tonne on August 26. In Foshan and Wuxi, aluminium ingot price has increased by RMB 20 per tonne and RMB 40 per tonne to stand at RMB 14290 per tonne each. Their average price is expected to range within RMB 14270- 14310 per tonne and RMB 14280- 14300 per tonne. Aluminium price in Hangzhou is up RMB 40 per tonne at RMB 14300 per tonne. The average price is expected to range within 14290- 14310 per tonne. Chongqing aluminium price is up by RMB 10 per tonne to RMB 14290 per tonne. Aluminium ingot prices in Shenyang and Tianjin stood at RMB...

The US dollar recovered on Monday from overnight losses after the US and China sought to ease trade war tensions. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Chinese officials would restart soon. Vice Premier Liu He, who has been leading the talks with Washington, said China was willing to resolve the trade dispute through “calm” negotiations. The dollar index edged up and finished at 98.38. SHFE metals ended higher for the most part while the London Metal Exchange remained closed on August 26 for Summer Bank Holiday. SHFE aluminium ended flat yesterday night. Three-month LME aluminium rebounded swiftly after the announcement of higher Chinese tariffs on American goods depressed base metal prices on Friday. It edged higher on the day and closed at RMB 1,767 per tonne on Friday night....

China’s alumina price has been on the decline since the middle of December 2018. Alumina prices fluctuated in the first six months of 2019. The first quarter witnessed a decline, while the second quarter saw some corrections. From January to mid-April, the domestic prices remained on downward trends, mainly attributable to the low production cost of alumina, weak demand, and excess supply. The bauxite supply in Shanxi and Henan increased on the withdrawal of the environmental protection inspection which put pressure on the alumina prices. Global alumina prices increased at the beginning of 2019, with a pullback in the middle, but then continued to decline. EGA alumina project, Hydro Alunorte plant and China alumina exports are the key factors that had a bearing on overseas alumina prices....

JSE-listed aluminium supplier Hulamin will reportedly shed some of its workforce. Around 380 employees are expected to lose their jobs as Hulamin has begun a right-sizing exercise after facing downfall in its aluminium extrusions division. Expressing deep regrets, chief executive officer Richard Jacob said it was unfortunate that the company had to consider laying off some its workforce. But since Hulamin Extrusions suffered a loss in the first half of the year, action is to be taken to improve profitability levels in the months ahead through cost reductions, explained Jacob. According to him, jobs of around 180 employees from Hulamin’s extrusion plant in Midrand and 200 employees from the plant in Pietermaritzburg will be affected by the right-sizing process. In H1 2019, Hulamin’s...

A top American Senator Lindsay Graham claimed on Sunday, ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in France that India is “the worst” in terms of high tariffs on American products. He proposed that either the U.S. should increase tariffs on Indian products, or both the countries should go to zero. “They will look for solutions on the trade front. The U.S. is looking to India to reduce tariffs and open its markets,” a senior administration official said, ahead of the meeting early this week. In February 2018, India slashed the customs duty on Harley-Davidson to 50% after Trump called it “unfair” and threatened to increase the tariff on Indian bikes. However the government on June 21 2018 decided to impose retaliatory duties...