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...
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China’s economic rise across Latin America and the Caribbean has quietly redrawn the map of global influence. What began as scattered infrastructure projects has evolved into a network of ports, energy facilities, and data hubs that increasingly serve Beijing’s strategic interests. For years, Washington paid little attention. Successive administrations focused elsewhere, assuming geography and history would secure US dominance in the hemisphere. That assumption no longer holds. The Trump–Rubio (United States Secretary of State) administration countering China’s growing presence in the Americas has become a core foreign policy priority, closely linked to national security, trade competitiveness, and the protection of vital supply chains. Washington’s new doctrine: Hemispheric resilience...
Canada has announced tariff relief on specific steel and aluminium products imported from the United States and China. This move aims to support domestic industries affected by ongoing trade tensions. The decision was formalised through an amendment to the 2024 surtax remission order, effective from October 15, 2025. Further details are expected to be released on November 5, 2025. The Canadian Ministry of Finance has granted exemptions on certain aluminium products from both countries. These products are primarily used in sectors such as public health, national security, manufacturing, agriculture and food packaging. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the remission process is designed to assist downstream sectors facing exceptional circumstances. He emphasised that...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price has been showing a fluctuating movement. After a good rise in the price, it has again decline on October 20, 2025. The LME cash bid fell by USD 18 per tonne or 0.65 per cent, down from USD 2,789 per tonne to USD 2,771 per tonne. The decline continued in cash offer price when it went down by USD 16.5 per tonne or 0.6 per cent to reach at USD 2,773 per tonne. The 3-month bid reduced by USD 9 per tonne or 0.32 per cent and on Monday, October 20, it settled at USD 2,765 per tonne. Concurrently, the 3-month offer also declined by USD 10 per tonne or 0.36 per cent, down from USD 2,776 per tonne to USD 2,766 per tonne. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2025 outlook, read “ Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 ” For the...
At the Financial Times’ organised Energy Transition Summit India, Vedanta Resources’ CEO Deshnee Naidoo offered a tempered but confident take on the world’s shifting energy landscape. Speaking to the Financial Times, Naidoo reflected on the complexity of the moment — a time, as she put it, when the global conversation around energy transition is “in a state of emergency,” yet perhaps not as bleak as it appears. Image source: https://www.ausimm.com/ Also read: UK keeps anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium foil until 2029 — here’s why Naidoo argued that despite the apparent policy back-pedalling in some economies, underlying momentum remains intact. “I'd like to say that maybe you can take a step back, maybe it's not all lost right now in terms of what's happening,” she said, noting...
Shandong Hontron Aluminum Industry Holding Co., Ltd. experienced a remarkable surge in its stock performance on October 15, 2025, reaching an intraday high even as the broader market faced a downturn. The company has demonstrated impressive annual growth, but it does grapple with some hurdles, including low profitability and concerns about management efficiency. Shandong Hontron Aluminum Industry Holding Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and exporter based in China, specialising in a wide variety of aluminium products. It offers products like casting coils, cold-rolled coils, household foils, beer wrap foils, pharmaceutical foils, container foils and decorative foils, with exports spanning around 60 countries. The company, which was previously known as Shandong Hongchuang Aluminum Industry...
The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has recommended keeping anti-dumping duties on aluminium foil in rolls imported from China for another five years, citing continued risks of unfair pricing and potential injury to domestic manufacturers. The recommendation, set out in the TRA’s 2025 Statement of Essential Facts (SEF), proposes maintaining existing tariffs — ranging from 14.2 to 35.6 per cent — for the period 6 June 2024 to 2029. The review, launched on 20 May 2024, assessed whether the measure — first introduced by the European Union in 2013 and later carried into UK law after Brexit — remains necessary to protect UK producers. The investigation covered the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023 and found that dumping of Chinese aluminium foil at prices below market value “would...
The government of Andhra Pradesh has officially approved the establishment of a large-scale industrial park at S. Kota in Vizianagaram district, marking a major shift in the region’s industrial strategy. The mega park will be developed by JSW Industrial Park Limited on 1,166 acres of land that the company had acquired years ago. The land was originally earmarked for a 1.5 million tonne capacity alumina refinery with an investment of INR 40,000 million (USD 481.93 million). But that plan was halted due to bauxite mining permission issues and long-standing farmer concerns. Image source: https://www.jswindustrialparks.in/ Download our exclusive report to access exclusive industry insights: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue - Red Mud With Government Order (GO) No. 184, JSW has now...
Al Arabia Company for Manufacturing and Painting Aluminium is gearing up to ramp up its annual exports to over 10,000 tonnes with a strategic makeover. This transformation into a fully integrated industrial complex, complete with cutting-edge production lines and a range of expansion projects, has strengthened its competitive edge in both local and global markets. Tracing back to 2020 Chairperson and Managing Director Ibrahim Al-Batran shared that the company’s growth journey started in 2020. This came in with a significant chunk of his investments from Morocco to Egypt by acquiring the firm. This initiative was all about building a strong industrial player and boosting investor confidence in the Egyptian market. The Director further pointed out that the company has rolled out two new...
London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices posted modest gains on October 17, with improvements seen across cash, three-month, and forward contracts, even as warehouse stocks slightly declined. On October 17, the LME aluminium cash bid price stood at USD 2,789.00 per tonne, up 0.52 per cent from USD 2,774.50 per tonne recorded on October 16. The cash offer price rose 0.52 per cent to USD 2,789.50 per tonne, compared with USD 2,775.00 per tonne previously. The LME aluminium three-month bid price increased 0.69 per cent to USD 2,774.00 per tonne from USD 2,755.00 per tonne, while the three-month offer advanced 0.74 per cent to USD 2,776.00 per tonne, against USD 2,755.50 per tonne on October 16. For the forward contract, the December 26 bid price climbed 1.74 per cent to USD 2,803.00 per...
The Trump administration's efforts to bring aluminium production back to the US are hitting a major roadblock, as fierce competition for energy resources is heating up, especially with the skyrocketing power needs of AI development and the growth of data centres. Aluminium is currently at the crossroads of several significant industrial and economic trends, with a hefty 50 per cent national security tariff in the US. Moreover, the metal is known for being energy-intensive, just as power costs are on the rise and it plays a crucial role in the world of electric vehicles and green energy technologies. Additionally, it's becoming more common in robotics applications and is essential as a heat sink material in the rapidly growing data centre industry. According to the Wall Street Journal,...
Epomaker has launched the Galaxy100 Lite keyboard. The launch targets users seeking a lighter aluminium build with enhanced customisation. It delivers this via a 20 per cent lighter body, QMK/VIA support and triple-mode connectivity. Weight drops to 1.6 kg, improving portability and comfort without sacrificing durability. New finishes: White Butter (white, yellow, light blue) and Black Gradient (grey to deep black), preserving a refined, minimalist look. It adds a multi-function knob for volume/navigation, a Mac-compatible layout and a five-layer dampening system for better acoustics, delivering a consistent, enjoyable typing feel. An 8000mAh battery powers wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, with south-facing RGB and hot-swappable switches for easy customisation. To mark the launch, the...
Kaiser Aluminium Corporation, which has a market cap of USD 1.27 billion, has successfully extended its USD 575 million senior secured revolving credit facility for an additional five years, maturing in October 2030. The amendment, effective October 14, adds flexibility and eliminates certain restrictions on revolving credit and availability. Kaiser’s gross borrowing availability of USD 575 million remains unchanged. This is supported by eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and other assets. As of the effective date of the amendment, only USD 15 million in letters of credit were outstanding, with no loans outstanding. Keith A. Harvey, Chairman, President, and CEO, said the extension "underscores the continued strength of our financial position and the confidence our lending partners...
Dinco Trading LLC, the UAE’s renowned aluminium supplier, has recently announced their most-awaited product expansion plan by introducing Plain Aluminium Sheet Metal and other high-end aluminium solutions. The introduction of the latest product takes Dinco a step ahead in building a reliable partnership with industries that demand both speed and quality simultaneously. With its latest product range, Dinco Trading continues to meet the UAE’s growing demand for high-end materials that cater to construction, industrial, marine, and infrastructure projects across the Emirates. For aluminium products supply across the UAE, Dinco Trading is the most preferred name among customers. Guided by the motto “Aluminium Is Our World”, the company has built its goodwill over a business philosophy that is...
Caustic soda prices remained stable across prominent Asian markets during the first half of October 2025, backed by an even supply-demand relationship and steady industry demand. Although there were some mixed signals in certain countries, steady production costs, and cautious procurement contributed to a broadly steady pricing environment. Strong market fundamentals support stability Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, opened the month on a firm note in most Asian markets. Supply and demand were broadly balanced from the start of October, setting a stable tone. While Japan’s auto sector continued to lag, a signal of weak global production and deferred consumer orders, the construction sector offered modest demand support. In contrast, India’s strong aluminium production and...
Hyundai Motor India has presented an audacious road map for India till FY2030, which includes plans that extend beyond car launches. At its investor meet, the Korean automaker revealed a product roadmap that blends advanced lightweight materials, hybrid expansion, luxury positioning, and accessible electrification. The big headline is the launch of the 2025 Hyundai Venue on November 4. The new-generation Venue is expected to integrate lightweight components. It also includes refined aluminium structures to improve fuel efficiency and enhance durability. Aluminium has already been a key enabler in Hyundai’s global vehicle architecture, and its increased use could make models like Venue more sustainable and easier to electrify. Hyundai confirmed it will introduce 26 models in India by...
LME Clear, the clearing house of the London Metal Exchange (LME), has announced a new triparty collateral service designed to simplify collateral management and cut operational costs for its clearing members. The initiative is being supported by Euroclear, one of the world’s largest financial market infrastructures, which holds more than USD 47.8 trillion in assets under custody. Streamlining collateral transfers through the triparty model The new arrangement enables clearing members to manage collateral more efficiently when meeting margin requirements. Earlier, it was mandatory to transfer individual securities directly into LME Clear’s collateral account, which also involved significant administrative complexities. Under the triparty model, members will instead be able to hold...
After years of anticipation, TVS has finally stepped into the adventure segment with Apache RTX. Launched at an introductory price of INR 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the motorcycle marks a major step for the homegrown manufacturer. The RTX is built to go the distance — literally and figuratively. Image for representational purpose TVS has chosen to describe it as an adventure-rally tourer, and that’s exactly how it looks. The all-LED setup feels premium, with twin LED headlights featuring automatic brightness control and follow-me-home lights. Even the DRLs at both ends have been shaped to match the bike’s sharp persona. The 12.5-litre fuel tank and the split-seat layout feels adventure-ready — the rider sits at 835 mm, while the pillion gets a slightly raised perch with a chunky grab rail...
L’OCCITANE, a retail company focusing on skincare, fragrance, and various skin wellness products, have recently unveiled the reimagined Fragrance Collection from Maison L’Occitane en Provence in almost all the airports across the globe. The perfume bottle of L’OCCITANE has taken inspiration from Provence’s iconic stone arches and ancient arched wooden doors, to give consumers a warmer invitation and a sense of fragrance. These perfume bottles feature the use of an aluminium cap, which not only enhances elegance but also supports the brand’s ongoing initiative towards a sustainable future by using eco-conscious packaging. Read More: L’OCCITANE Travel Retail returns to Cannes: Elevating beauty with sustainable aluminium packaging It is not the first time that the company have infused the...
