Aluminium’s downstream and end-user world is having one of those fortnights where a beer can, a luxury sports car, a German construction site and an Indian furnace all end up in the same conversation. The metal may begin its life far upstream, but its real fuss is playing out in cans, cars, extrusions, buildings and factories, where tariffs, trade policy, energy costs and demand cycles decide who wins. This fortnight highlights that aluminium demand is moving towards electric vehicles, lightweight transport and long-life infrastructure, even as packaging and construction feel the pinch of cost and weak activity. Meanwhile, producers from Vietnam to New Zealand are arguing over the oldest question in the business of how much protection, taxation or openness does a downstream industry need...
Malaysia has opened a limited route for raw rare earths exports while pursuing a broader ambition to develop domestic processing capabilities, highlighting the challenge of attracting international investment without giving up opportunities to create more value locally. The country has approved its first application to export unprocessed rare earths under a revised regulatory framework, with the shipment authorised for research and development purposes. Malaysia’s Department of Mineral and Geoscience granted the approval, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, which confirmed the decision in response to a Bloomberg query. The ministry did not identify the applicant or disclose further details. The approval follows new guidelines issued earlier in...
Grow with
AL Circle
In late October 2025, the quarterly surcharge for imported primary aluminium into Japan was assessed at USD 86 per tonne (CIF main Japanese ports, P1020/P1020A ingot) by S&P Global Commodity Insights (Platts) — a 20.4 per cent drop from the Q3 figure of USD 108 per tonne. The decline, which came after a 41 per cent plunge in Q3 from the Q2 level of USD 182 per tonne, is a clear sign of weakening in Japan’s role as the region’s aluminium-import benchmark and highlights pressure points for exporters, especially in Asia. Image for referential purposes only Also read: Japan’s aluminium can demand holds at 2.09 billion units in 2025 Benchmark context and mechanics MJP (Main Japanese Port) aluminium premium is a quarterly negotiation between Japanese buyers and overseas suppliers for CIF...
Alcoa Corporation, a top player in the global market for bauxite, alumina and aluminium, has just shared its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. The company saw an uptick in production across both its alumina and aluminium sectors. However, it's worth noting that the quarterly performance was significantly affected by a few major one-time items that shaped the overall financial picture. Production update Alumina production saw a 4 per cent increase from the previous quarter, reaching 2.5 million tonnes. This boost was largely due to higher output from Australian refineries, which had less maintenance downtime during this period. In the aluminium segment, production rose slightly by 1 per cent to 579 thousand tonnes because of the ongoing efforts to restart the San Ciprián...
Global mining giant Rio Tinto is reportedly exploring an asset-for-equity swap with Aluminium Corp. of China, Chinalco. News sources reported, citing sources close to the matter, that this move aims to reduce Chinalco’s current 11 per cent stake by up to 2 percentage points, potentially down to around 9 per cent. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain This strategy would provide Rio Tinto with more flexibility. As sources highlighted, it allows the company to end governance constraints and allocate capital to mergers, acquisitions, and share buybacks. Rio Tinto Group did not provide a comment when contacted by a national media organisation. Meanwhile, Aluminium Corp. of China did not immediately respond to the inquiry. Implications...
Norsk Hydro ASA delivered a steady performance in the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating resilience amid weak prices, currency headwinds, and challenging global conditions. The company posted an adjusted EBITDA of NOK 5,996 million, compared with NOK 7,367 million in the same quarter last year. The decline was largely attributed to lower alumina prices and a stronger Norwegian krone, partly balanced by higher production and improved margins in certain segments. Hydro also generated NOK 2.2 billion in free cash flow, with its twelve-month adjusted return on average capital employed (RoaCE) at 11 per cent. Financial overview Quarter-on-quarter, adjusted EBITDA fell from NOK 7,790 million, reflecting lower aluminium price realisation and currency pressure. However, these effects were...
Aluminium stocks soared on Friday, October 24, as prices of the metal rallied sharply amid tightening global supply, driving strong investor sentiment across the sector. Shares of Hindalco Industries, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), and Vedanta opened with robust gains in early trade, mirroring the strength seen in global peers such as Alcoa. Hindalco led the rally, surging over 4 per cent to hit a record high of INR 824.65 on the NSE before paring some gains to trade 3 per cent higher at INR 815.90 apiece. NALCO followed with a 3.3 per cent rise to INR 235.86, while Vedanta climbed 2.31 per cent to INR 492.95. For Vedanta, aluminium remains a critical growth engine. Company executives said in June 2025 that earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation...
Alcoa Corporation has recently announced two significant developments for its Massena Operations in New York. One is the new 10-year energy pact with New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the other is an investment of USD 60 million, a grant from Empire State Development (ESD) in the facility’s anode baking furnace. It would help to strengthen the aluminium production in the United States through a more sustainable method. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain This pact of 10 years would provide the Massena Operations with almost 240 megawatts of renewable energy. It would be effective from April 1, 2026, comprising a possibility of extending the pact for almost two more additional five years. Alcoa Corporation is a leading...
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) strengthened on Thrusday, October 23, as both cash and three-month contracts posted modest gains, while warehouse stocks recorded a slight decline. On October 23, the LME aluminium cash bid stood at USD 2,843 per tonne, up USD 26 or 0.92 per cent from USD 2,817 per tonne on October 22. The cash offer rose USD 27 or 0.96 per cent, from USD 2,818 to USD 2,845 per tonne. The LME 3-month bid increased from USD 2,812 per tonne on October 22 to USD 2,841.5 per tonne on October 23 — a gain of USD 29.5 or 1.05 per cent. The 3-month offer also climbed by USD 29.5 or 1.05 per cent, from USD 2,812.5 to USD 2,842 per tonne. For forward contracts, the December 26 bid price advanced USD 31 or 1.09 per cent, from USD 2,832 to USD 2,863 per tonne, while...
Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has reported strong third-quarter 2025 results. The leading industrial metals company achieved another milestone by recording a net sales of USD 4.8 billion and net income of USD 404 million, equal to USD 2.74 per diluted share. While record steel shipments drove Q3 earnings, SDI’s recycled aluminium ventures are beginning to gain traction, with new mills in Mississippi and Mexico set to produce 650,000 tonnes annually. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain “Our teams performed exceptionally well in the third quarter, achieving strong financial performance and hitting several operating milestones while continuing to prioritise the safety and well-being of one another,” said...
The world of renewable energy is booming, with global power generation capacity expected to more than double by 2030, as highlighted in the latest medium-term outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This impressive growth is primarily fueled by the rapid rise of solar PV technology, even as we navigate challenges like supply chain issues, grid integration problems, financial obstacles and shifting policy environments. IEA’s report: Renewables 2025 According to Renewables 2025, which is the IEA’s main annual report on the renewable energy sector, it's expected that global renewable power capacity will grow by a whopping 4,600 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. That is same as the total power generation capacity of China, the European Union and Japan combined. The latest report has revised...
The sale of the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead involved a hefty fee of around GBP 2.8 million to the administrator for the sale of the site. The former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead was an aluminium smelting plant that was closed in 2009 after the end of its power contract. Both Orthios Eco Parks (Anglesey) and Orthios Power (Anglesey) Ltd were part of the same group called “Orthios”, located on the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead, Wales. Craig Ridgley was appointed administrator of these assets. While the paycheck of Craig Ridgley in this deal amounts to 2.765 million pounds for his work, the solicitors, Howes Percival LLP, working for him received 755,000 pounds. The fee structure of Craig Ridgley in this deal consists of 5 per cent of the first 25 million...
Aditya Aluminium, part of Hindalco Industries Limited, has proudly launched Odisha’s very first 200 KLD Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facility at its Sambalpur plant in Hirakud. This achievement marks a significant step forward in industrial water management, highlighting the company’s dedication to sustainable practices and innovative water conservation efforts. Investment, technology & more The company announced that its state-of-the-art facility, which represents an investment of around INR 20 crore (USD ), utilises cutting-edge Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology to recycle and reuse industrial effluents right within the plant fully. The recent developments reflect Odisha’s renewed focus on sustainable industrial growth. During its latest 140th meeting, the State Level...
South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium smelter continues to hold a key role in developing and running the country’s manufacturing base. Operating since 1996, the smelter at Richards Bay has become one of the largest aluminium producers in the southern hemisphere. It is processing imported alumina into premium-grade metal, which so far has a huge demand across global markets. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The smelter, at present, operates 864 electrolysis cells that leverage the proven Pechiney AP30 version of the Hall-Héroult process. The equipment allows the facility to deliver stable output and effective usage of power, which is indeed a profitable advantage in a country where energy resources are pretty unpredictable. Output...
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index remained unchanged at 2,069 points on Monday. It is regarded as the world’s leading independent benchmark for dry bulk maritime freight rates. The index is used for trading and settling physical and derivative shipping contracts. Monday’s flat reading signals a period of calm across major vessel classes. Despite stable overall conditions, the Capesize segment showed modest strength, rising seven points or 0.2 per cent to 3,128, marking a one-week high. Average daily earnings for these large vessels, which typically transport iron ore and coal, edged up from USD 62 to USD 25,944. The index’s steadiness reflects a measured balance between gains in larger vessels and softer performance in smaller carriers, suggesting that freight demand...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price showed a sharp increase, reflecting the on-going fluctuations within the market. Both the LME cash bid and offer rose by USD 37 per tonne or 1.33 per cent, and each settled down at USD 2,817 per tonne and USD 2,818 per tonne, respectively. The 3-month bid and offer also showed a similar uptick when each rose by USD 30 per tonne and USD 29.5 per tonne, or 1.1 per cent, to reach USD 2,812 per tonne and USD 2,812.5 per tonne on Wednesday, October 22. For the forward contract, the LME December 26 bid and offer were whopped by USD 17 per tonne or 0.6 per cent, gaining ground at USD 2,832 per tonne and USD 2,837 per tonne. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2025 outlook, read " Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 " The LME...
Global carmakers are in a race to secure vital rare earth minerals before new Chinese export restrictions take effect in November. According to industry veterans, restrictions on exports by the Chinese Government will cause a massive shortage of key mineral products, which will further impact the production timeline. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Rare Earths: Powerhouse for modern cars Rare earth minerals are used in the manufacturing of various crucial car components, including motors, oil pumps, mirrors, and braking sensors. In electric cars, they are even more critical, as they power the systems that make EVs efficient and quiet. Analysts estimate it controls around 70 per cent of global mining, 85 per cent of refining...
At the Aluminum Association’s annual meeting in Washington this September, the topic that dominated was not tariffs, not trade, but energy. As the US government doubles down on its Made in America agenda, aiming to restore domestic aluminium production, executives warned that the dream of a primary aluminium revival may ultimately hinge on one factor alone: affordable electricity. Aluminium has always been an energy story disguised as a metal story. It takes immense electricity to turn alumina into molten aluminium — roughly 11 terawatt-hours (TWh) per smelter every year, enough to power a city like Boston or Nashville. “When you think about the energy intensity that is required for an aluminium smelter, you’re talking about basically powering a city,” Kelly Thomas, Aluminum Association...
Africa is blessed with sunshine. In fact, the African Development Bank notes that the continent has “almost unlimited” solar potential, roughly 10,000 gigawatts (10 terawatts) of capacity. This equates to more than 50 times the world’s current power needs. Yet ironies abound. Some 600 million Africans (about 43 per cent of the population) still lack reliable electricity, and roughly 80 per cent of all the people on earth without power live in sub-Saharan Africa. Here lies both a challenge and an opportunity: Africa’s abundant sunshine could be the key to closing its energy gap – and in doing so, transforming industries like aluminium that desperately need clean, affordable power. Image for referential purposes only (source: https://unsdg.un.org/) Also read: Reliance Industries’ mega solar...
Australia’s South32 is currently in talks with the Mozambican government about the future of Mozal, which is the largest aluminium smelter and a key industrial employer in the country. Even with these discussions underway, the company is preparing for a potential halt in operations starting in March, 2026. Recent development South32 has announced that it’s actively working with the Mozambican government, the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB) and South Africa’s Eskom, which buys electricity from HCB and supplies it to Mozal, to ensure that Mozal, the second-largest aluminium smelter in Africa, has enough affordable power. This facility, located just outside of Maputo, employs around 5,000 workers. South32, in its quarterly report released on Tuesday, October 21, noted that despite...
