Mexico’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is creating new opportunities across battery production, materials, charging infrastructure and electronics, as Chinese companies look to move beyond vehicle exports towards broader overseas supply-chain partnerships. Hong Kong could play a strategic role in connecting Mexican businesses with mainland China’s manufacturing capabilities, investment and research resources. According to the source commentary, Mexico’s EV market has evolved considerably over the past 16 years, with more brands offering vehicles across different price ranges and driving ranges, alongside the expansion of residential, corporate and industrial charging infrastructure. However, demand for EV purchases is growing faster than the capacity to maintain them,...
Hydro has begun construction of a new 5,900 metric ton indirect aluminum extrusion press line at its Cressona facility in Pennsylvania, backed by a $53.5 million investment aimed at modernizing production, expanding specialist extrusion capacity, and strengthening the company’s North American manufacturing operations. The groundbreaking took place on October 27, with operations expected to commence in the first quarter of 2028. The new press will replace equipment dating from the 1950s and introduce Industry 4.0 technology, advanced automation, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced safety performance. New press targets growing demand for specialist extrusions The investment comes as demand for indirect aluminum extrusions continues to grow across commercial transportation, automotive,...
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Following Donald Trump's firm statement —"No exemptions, no exceptions" on a 25 per cent tariff on imported aluminium and steel on Tuesday, February 11—India’s state-owned National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has come up with valuable insights into the potential impact on global price trends. NALCO emphasised that these tariffs are likely to weigh on global aluminium prices, much like the effects seen in late 2018, 2019, and 2020 after similar trade measures were imposed during Trump’s first term. After Donald Trump introduced an additional 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and 25 per cent on steel in 2018, the average global aluminium price on London Metal Exchange dropped to $1,931.45 per tonne at the end of the same year, which further decreased in the succeeding years to an...
ABX Group has declared the termination of its prior 2017 agreement with Core Refining, stating that the company is no longer in requirement of intellectual property (IP) for its ALCORE Project located in Tasmania. The Core Refining IP was initially licenced to ABX for the refinement purpose of various types of raw material with fluorine acids, subsequently producing aluminium fluoride from bauxite. The operation project took place under ABX’s 83 per cent owned subsidiary, ALCORE. This picture is for reference purposes only The termination aligns with ALCORE’s recent transition to the continuous pilot plant stage, following a lease agreement with Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) for an industrial facility near the Bell Bay aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania. ABX, which has a market capitalisation...
In a debate-worthy move, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, leaving major trade partners scrambling to negotiate exemptions. The tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, 2025, have been met with widespread criticism and warnings of potential trade wars. The United States, a significant importer of steel and aluminium, sources nearly a quarter of its steel from foreign suppliers, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Its dependence on aluminium is even greater. Key suppliers include neighbouring Canada and Mexico, as well as several Asian allies. Trump has stated that the tariffs will be implemented “without exceptions or exemptions,” a decision that has prompted varied reactions from global partners. Canada...
Chinalco Shanxi New Materials commissioned the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association to assess two key achievements: the "Comprehensive Utilisation and Industrial Application of Secondary Aluminum Ash in Clinker Kiln Resources" and the "R&D and Application of an Automated Aluminum Bar Cutting Device." Image Source: MDPI After reviewing technical reports, examining data, and engaging in discussions, the expert panel concluded that both projects have achieved an internationally leading level of scientific and technological advancement. The project on the comprehensive utilisation and industrial application of secondary aluminium ash in clinker kilns has successfully developed innovative technologies and processes for the collaborative resource utilisation of secondary aluminium ash...
The first batch of cathode sets for the Indonesia Beijia electrolytic aluminium project, supplied by Shenyang Institute, was successfully shipped from Lianyungang on Friday January 10, 2025. The project is a joint venture between Indonesia's Adaro Group and China's Liqin Resources, with Shenyang Institute overseeing the engineering design. The 500kA electrolytic cell features key technical equipment, including the cathode carbon block group, which incorporates Shenyang Institute’s latest energy-saving technology. Since 2013, Shenyang Institute has been dedicated to the research, development, and design of a new energy-saving cathode group for aluminium electrolytic cells. Grounded in the theory of interface fluctuation, this technology optimises the cathode group’s conductive structure to...
In a policy shift announcement on Monday, February 10, the United States government has brought forth the decree to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all primary aluminium imports, effective March 4, 2025. The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to bolster the country’s domestic aluminium industry and address long-standing concerns over unfair international trade practices. US aluminium imports in 2024 from top 10 countries worldwide The newly enforced tariff removes previous exemptions and quota deals, closing loopholes that had allowed nearly 75 per cent of aluminium imports to bypass tariffs. Domestic entities anticipate this move will benefit American aluminium producers, including Century Aluminum, a leading primary aluminium manufacturer based in Chicago. Century...
The global primary aluminium production in 2024 reached 72.7 million tonnes (approx.). With demand continuing to rise, it is expected that production will also further increase in the coming years, leading to more environmental challenges. As a result, in order to tackle or overcome these hurdles, it is essential to establish various sustainable initiatives that will help the industry fight against increased CO2 emissions. Image Source: FreePik Arctus Aluminium’s carbon free aluminium production One such initiative has been developed by Iceland-based Arctus Aluminium. Unlike conventional methods, the company is developing a smelting technology that uses inert anodes, which generate oxygen instead of CO2. Additionally, Arctus Aluminium has joined the European REVEAL project, which seeks to...
Novelis Inc., the international arm of Hindalco Industries Limited and the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has announced its third-quarter results demonstrating a further downfall in financial performance. According to Steve Fisher, president and CEO of Novelis Inc., the increased competition in the scrap aluminium industry, with many more players joining, is creating significant pressure on pricing and eventually impacting their financial results. According to the Q3 report, Novelis' net income stood at $110 million, further down by 14 per cent from $128 million in the previous quarter and 9 per cent lower than $121 million during the corresponding period of the last year. Net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding special items, was $119 million versus...
A towering stack of electric vehicle batteries dominates the courtyard of Erlos Produktion und Montagen GmbH recycling plant in a remote corner of eastern Germany. Soon, its counterpart will rise in Israel, spearheaded by a partnership led by veteran car importer Colmobil. The Erlos facility is one of the few in Germany dedicated to recycling electric vehicle batteries. Image Source: Erlos plant in Germany (Peter Fenes) The upcoming facility Set to open by the end of next year, the $10 million facility is under construction in Neot Hovav, where it will handle batteries from wrecked cars, end-of-life units, and defective stock. This milestone marks a major achievement for Erlos and its equipment supplier, Peter Hessler, as they extend their expertise beyond Germany's borders. Colmobil is...
The Eastern regional wing of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) has hosted the 73rd Indian Foundry Congress concurrently with the Indian Foundry Exhibition IFEX 2025. The event was held in Kolkata’s Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan between February 9, 2025, and February 11, 2025, and welcomed exhibitors from around the globe to Eastern Indian experience of an exciting and stimulating event which focussed on bringing together foundry fraternity while opening the gates for them on latest trends, technologies and markets for the foundry sector while enabling them to explore & forge new business alliances & opportunities. The main highlights were a conglomeration of IFEX, CAST INDIA EXPO, CAST SOURCE Meet, panel discussions, case studies, success stories, NRI Foundry Forum, CEOs Meet, and...
In response to the new aluminium and steel tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, just days after postponing tariffs on North American neighbours, the European Commission is committed to taking action to protect the interests of the European Union. Describing Trump's tariff measures as unjustified and meaningless,, the European Commission said, "We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified actions. However, it will await formal notification before deciding on a response." On Sunday, Donald Trump said he would impose 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel imports just like he did during his first term, citing national security concerns. In 2018, he levied a 25 per cent duty on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium,...
At the beginning of 2025, primary aluminium and its essential raw materials witnessed some significant developments in key areas like production, value, projects, and trade policies. Additionally, advancements in technology, sustainability initiatives, and geopolitical factors occurred and reshaped the industry's future. The downstream sector has not shied away from some critical progress driven by rising demand and a strong push towards sustainability. Staying informed about these critical updates is important for gaining valuable insights into the current market, anticipating potential market dynamics, adapting strategies, and making well-informed strategic decisions for business growth. So, here's to the top 20 headlines from across the aluminium value chain in January 2025. Updates...
Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate has recently invested Nguyet Minh 2 Trading-Services-Environment Joint Stock Company (NM2), a Vietnamese company specialising in aluminium recycling. Vietnam is Southeast Asia's largest consumer of beverage cans, and the growing middle-income demographic is expected to drive a rise in aluminium scrap generation. Image Source: NM2 website Additionally, with increasing environmental awareness, Vietnam has implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy to establish a resource-circulating economy. As part of its mid-term management strategy, Marubeni has prioritised a green strategy to enhance corporate value, recognising the aluminium industry as a key driver in the transition to a...
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has scheduled a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for Australia’s exemption from the newly imposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. The announcement of these tariffs triggered a sharp market reaction, wiping *$15 billion off the ASX. The benchmark ASX200 dropped 0.5 per cent within the first hour of trading. During Question Time on January 10, 2025, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed the planned conversation with President Trump, emphasising that discussions on the matter would be conducted through diplomatic channels. The Prime Minister said, "Australian companies have significant investments in the US steel industry, creating thousands of jobs in both the US and Australia." "We will continue to make the case for...
US President Donald Trump intends to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all aluminium and steel imports. While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said he would apply tariffs on metals imported from all countries, without sharing the timeline when duties would take effect. Image soure: Britannica He also hinted at the implementation of reciprocal tariffs as early as this week on nations that impose duties on US imports. These moves are the latest in a series of tariff measures Trump has pursued since the inauguration of his second presidential term. Trump’s latest plan to impose tariffs on all aluminium and steel tariffs came as a surprise to many overseas buyers and sellers after the grant of a 30-day reprieve to Canada and Mexico just last week. Moreover, buyers and sellers...
Japan’s aluminium industry in 2024 has been a tale of two contrasting trends—rising primary aluminium imports but weakening domestic demand. While imports grew by 1.9 per cent to 1.05 million tonnes, domestic consumption continued to decline, especially in key sectors such as construction and automotive. Changing import dynamics Japan’s import landscape saw significant shifts in 2024. Australia remained the country’s top supplier, exporting nearly 300,000 tonnes and accounting for over 28 per cent of total imports. Brazil followed with 170,000 tonnes, representing 16 per cent of imports. However, the most striking changes were in shipments from the UAE and India, which increased sharply, offsetting the steep drop in Russian supplies. India’s aluminium exports to Japan surged by 25 per...
South Africa has officially endorsed coal as a critical mineral due to its substantial economic impact and strategic importance, according to Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe. Speaking in Cape Town, Mantashe highlighted the completion of a study on critical minerals, emphasising coal’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economy. The minister highlighted Africa's vast critical mineral potential, stressing the importance of regional collaboration in value addition rather than independently exporting raw materials. Gwede Mantashe said, "For us, coal is a critical mineral because it generates substantial revenue. The coal sector remains highly attractive for new and expanded investments." "As a continent, we become vulnerable to exploiting critical minerals...
The Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently released a public approval list of laboratories for quality control and technical evaluation of industrial products. Out of all applicants, only 200 laboratories in China successfully passed the evaluation and review. Source: Chinalco website Notably, the "Laboratory for Quality Control and Technical Evaluation of Industrial (Light Metal) Products," operated by Chinalco Testing (Zhengzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., secured a place on the prestigious list. Its product quality control and technical evaluation capabilities are recognised as being at the forefront in China. The Laboratory for Quality Control and Technical Evaluation of Industrial Products has been officially approved by the...
