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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The Science and Technology Department of Gansu Province recently released the 2024 list of high-tech, high-growth, and high-value-added enterprises in which Northwest Aluminum earned a spot due to its outstanding innovation capabilities and strong development momentum. For years, Northwest Aluminum has been dedicated to researching, developing, and producing aluminium alloy materials, consistently prioritising technological advancement and product quality. The company continues to increase R&D investments, introduce cutting-edge technologies, refine manufacturing processes, and adopt advanced equipment to enhance its products' scientific value and market competitiveness. Additionally, Northwest Aluminum actively upholds its social responsibilities, contributing to local economic and...
The Middle East has long been a powerhouse in the global aluminium industry, with its strategic location, abundant energy resources, and advanced technological infrastructure. As the world shifts towards sustainable production and decarbonisation, the region is embracing a new era of low-carbon aluminium production, renewable energy integration, and full operational capacity utilisation. In light of these developments, AL Circle is set to launch its latest e-Magazine, Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025 , in mid-March 2025. This comprehensive industry publication will provide unparalleled insights into the latest trends, technological advancements, and investment opportunities within the Middle Eastern aluminium sector. Source: IAI, AL Circle Research Note: Production for Iran and Egypt in...
In a recent development, President Donald Trump announced a one-month suspension of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminium imports just days after announcing their imposition. The temporary pause, which extends until March 1, 2025, signals potential renegotiations over trade concerns and border security issues, raising uncertainty for US aluminium importers and domestic manufacturers alike. Tariff turbulence: Domestic industry impacted Already familiar with tariff-induced disruptions, the aluminium industry faces renewed concerns as traders and manufacturers brace for possible policy changes. Section 232 tariffs, imposed in 2018 during Trump’s first term, introduced a 10 per cent duty on aluminium imports, citing national security threats due to over-reliance on foreign...
All eyes have been on the primary aluminium industry ever since Donald Trump directed his administration to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Where will the United States source its downstream aluminium raw materials, and where will Canada redirect its primary metal? Trump's tariff declaration has led to too many questions while at the same time sparked a level of controversy with the President's most recent decision to reprieve his North American neighbours. Amid all this, there are also some other unignorable highlights from this week's upstream aluminium industry, such as a 26 per cent rise in Jamaican alumina export value, strong prediction for a 2025 aluminium price hike based on foreseen supply deficit in the market, Alcoa's substantial financial gains but bearish outlook...
Geely Technology Group, a company affiliated with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, has signed a bauxite supply agreement with Honbridge Holdings, China's automotive-focussed news platform Gasgoo reports. As per the set contract, Honbridge will be procuring bauxite and other relevant products from Geely with an annual purchase cap of up to RMB 300 million by December 31, 2025, and up to RMB 370 million each by December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027. Tonbridge Holdings, which delved into the lithium-ion battery sector a decade ago in 2014, supplies products to multiple businesses under Geely Holding Group, among other electric vehicle manufacturers. The company has extended into ride-hailing services in France under the "CaoCao" brand, with nearly 300 LEVC TX new energy automotive fleet and...
Daiki Aluminium, a Japanese aluminium manufacturer specialising in producing secondary alloys used in high-pressure die casting, casting, and rolling, has reportedly seen a 5.6 per cent year-on-year rise in net sales during the first nine months of 2024, which ended December 31. But despite the increase in sales, the company's profit attributable to owners of parent stooped down by 39.5 per cent, indicating challenges faced by the company in maintaining positive profit margins. In the first six months of the year, Daiki's net sales were 3.8 per cent higher than the previous year, amounting to ¥ 137,147 million (US$903,793) versus ¥ 132,120 million (US$870,375). Profit attributable to owners of parent was ¥ 1,596 million (US$10,514) until September 30, 2024, compared to ¥2,585 million...
Glencore comes to headlines for its ‘blow for blow’ move! After losing its aluminium segment trader to Vitol, it reportedly replenishes its alumina trading segment with a new joinee from Guvnor. The latter entity’s alumina trader, Zach Mayer, is reportedly leaving his position to join Glencore Plc on May 1, 2025. Image Credit: https://www.glencore.com/ Gunvor has verified Mayer’s resignation, stating that he was leaving for personal reasons. The company has further added that the alumina book is planned to be taken over by Ulas Alkan. There has been no comment from either the prospective employer or employee on the matter. Gunvor primary trade revolves around energy products such as oil. It has recently extended its trading division into metals with anticipation of proven profitability...
Can you believe we're already in the second month of 2025? Time seems to be racing ahead, never pausing—much like aluminium, the metal that never stops. Welcome back to another edition of Editor's Pick, where we bring you the latest launches, innovations, and developments shaping the aluminium industry. In this edition, we look at some of the key events that unfolded in January 2025—a month that arrived like the first page of an unwritten book, filled with promise and edged with the golden glow of new beginnings. Are you interested in knowing about the end-user market and its potential landscape for 2025? Get your hands on AL Circle's latest report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025" , and stay ahead of the curve. The aluminium end-use market in 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic...
Swiss technology leader Bühler Group delivered its first megacasting solutions to Honda Motor Company Ltd., marking a significant step in the Japanese automaker’s electric vehicle (EV) production push. Honda has invested in multiple Bühler Carat 610 die-casting machines to ramp up manufacturing across its North American network and meet growing customer demand. One of these advanced casting cells is being used for research and development in Japan, while the rest will be deployed at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA. Honda is investing in growing its EV production operation in North America to strengthen its supply system and its ability to prepare for a continued increase in demand in the region. The company is establishing an EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio, which will begin production...
Rio Tinto, a British-Australian multinational company and the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation, is experimenting with reducing energy storage costs in a bid to reserve abundant amounts of intermittent renewables to feed smelters with the seamless electricity supply they need. The company believes installing batteries at its Queensland aluminium smelter can play a crucial role in achieving the new goal. Last week, during the smelter visit, Rio’s chief executive for the aluminium business, Jerome Pecresse, firmly expressed his confidence in batteries to provide consistent power to the smelters even when the generation from solar and wind is low. Among various sustainability initiatives so far, the integration of batteries at Rio’s carbon-heavy aluminium smelters in North...
Premier Energies Ltd. announced its quarterly results for the period ending December 31 after market hours on Monday, February 3. The company demonstrated a significant improvement in its financial performance, with key highlights including a 12.2 per cent sequential growth in topline and a 35 per cent increase in EBITDA from the previous year's 17.3 per cent. The company's revenue increased by 140.6 per cent from last year to INR 1,713 crore. Margins also expanded, surpassing the INR 500 crore mark at INR 513.7 crore. Premier Energies had reported an EBITDA of INR 123 crore in the base quarter. The company had reported a net profit of INR 205 crore in the second quarter of FY2025. Net profit for the third quarter stood at INR 255.2 crore, which was aided by a jump in other income to INR...
Maan Aluminium, a well-known name in the aluminium extrusion industry in India, reported net sales of INR 182.09 crore (USD 20.82 million) in 3rd Quarter of FY25 ending December 2024, down 14.5 per cent Y-o-Y from INR 212.97 crore (USD 24.35 million) in December 2023. Quarterly net profit was also 59.01 per cent lower Y-o-Y from INR 7.44 crore (USD 907,317) in December 2023 to INR 3.05 crore (USD 34,887) in December 2024. the company’s EBITDA stands at INR 6.29 crore in December 2024, down 49.19 per cent from INR 12.38 crore in December 2023. Maan Aluminium’s earnings per share (EPS) decreased to INR 0.56 in December 2024 from INR 1.38 in December 2023. On January 28, the company faced substantial volatility, dipping to a new 52-week low of INR 107 amid a broader decline in the aluminium...
Jamaica’s alumina export value increased by 25.9 per cent, totalling US$447.3 million during the first nine months of 2024. This growth has contributed to a 17 per cent rise in Jamaica’s overall export revenue from the mining and quarrying sector to US$500.7 million. In the first quarter of 2024, Jamaica’s alumina export value was US$132.2 million versus US$89.2 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. In the next quarter, Jamaica’s earnings from alumina exports grew further, contributing to a 27 per cent boost in mineral export revenues. But despite the steady rise in Jamaica’s alumina export value, the Caribbean country’s domestic export value through the first nine months of 2024 fell 10.8 per cent to US$1,360.5 million, caused by a sharp contraction in re-exports...
Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary, White House, publicly declared on Friday, January 31, in a news briefing that the US would begin imposing 25 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China starting February 01. Whereas just ahead of implementation, after much negotiation and last-minute diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has made a late-night declaration to a 30-day pause agreement on his 25 per cent tariff imposition against Mexico and Canada. The decision came as the US president conversed with his counterpart in Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. He also exchanged telephone messages with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It pulled the American neighbours back from the verge of a potentially raging trade war. However, the 10...
Ensuring cutting-edge technology and next-level experience to customers, the India-based Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme has decided to release an upgraded version of its already available Note 60 in Philippines. As per realme’s website the upgraded version will also include dynamic RAM expansion of upto 12 GB, leading to a total of 18GB RAM. Source- realme website Already available in Philipines, the upgraded version will be available in a more powerful 6GB/128GB edition, apart from the 4GB/64GB (PHP 4,999 SRP) and 4GB/128GB (PHP 5,999 SRP) variants. This upgrade provides larger RAM, enabling faster app loading and improved multitasking. Aluminium die-cast structure Apart from this, the other features like durable die-cast aluminium structure, reinforced glass-coated protection...
Here's an update about the share purchase and subscription agreement signed between Alcoa and Ma'aden on September 15, 2024. On February 4, 2025, the General Authority of Competition (GAC) approved Ma'aden to acquire Alcoa's 25.1 per cent ownership in Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Ma'aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC). According to a previously published report, Ma'aden will purchase Alcoa's shares in MAC and MBAC for $1.1 billion and get full ownership and total operational and management control of the bauxite and alumina company as well as the aluminium firm. The approval of GAC marks the fulfilment of one of several customary conditions for this type of transaction. The deal is anticipated to be finalised by the first quarter of 2025. This strategic acquisition of Alcoa's...
Aluminium is set to be the standout performer among London Metal Exchange (LME) base metals in 2025, with analysts predicting a supply shortfall this year that could drive prices higher. According to the latest Reuters January base metals poll, analysts expect zinc, copper, and tin to see higher average cash prices in 2025 than in 2024. On the flip side, nickel remains the clear bearish bet. After plunging nearly 22 per cent in 2024, no one anticipates a reversal, with oversupply projected to persist through this year and into the next. Reuters January 2025 poll of base metals analysts Source: Reuters base metals analyst poll median forecasts While supply dynamics will play a key role in determining winners and losers, global economic uncertainty continues to overshadow the broader...
European Union’s sanction against Russia has unfolded numerous speculations about future trade scope among countries and continents. The EU’s proposal states a one-year phase-in period, with 275,000 tonnes exempted during this transition. This would mean a further decline in the import of Russian primary aluminium. On the one hand, in 2023, 500,000 tonnes were imported from Russia into the EU, on the other, the figure declined to 330,000 tonnes in the period of January to November 2024. The ripple effect of the uncertainty around the trade front has inevitably hit the market pricing segment as well. Pricing trend analysis Aluminium prices hiked 0.18 per cent to INR 253.9 (USD 2.90), owing to supply concerns post the European Union’s (EU’s) decision to phase by phase ban Russian aluminium...
