The story of the aluminium industry is starting a chapter wherein scrap availability, recycling technology, trade policy, carbon costs and demand growth are becoming increasingly interconnected. From the US and Canada to Europe, India, New Zealand and China, recent developments show that the global aluminium supply chain is being reshaped on several fronts at once. These developments point to a changing aluminium business model: access to metal alone may no longer be enough. Quality of recycled feedstock, domestic processing capacity, carbon intensity, trade exposure and the ability to meet increasingly specific customer requirements could become equally important competitive factors. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge...
According to SMM statistics, as of September 11, days of in-factory inventories at aluminium rod plants in China recorded 8.06 days, up 0.43 days W-o-W; the inventory ratio rose from 100.95 per cent to 102.86 per cent, up 1.91 percentage points. Looking at the trend over the past five weeks, inventories continued to consolidate at highs, with the inventory ratio staying above 100 per cent in the upper range for the year, as destocking and restocking alternated without a clear one-way trend. Over the same period, the combined operating rate of industry leaders in the aluminium rod sector recorded 72.50 per cent, down 0.46 percentage points W-o-W, pulling back slightly after stabilising at 72.96 per cent for three consecutive weeks, and overall remaining at low levels. The combination of...
Grow with
AL Circle
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the US trade partner countries are looking to initiate deals with the Trump administration for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Moreover, more than 100 partners are expected to see a "reciprocal" rate of 10 per cent in the coming week, where the possibility of emerging flurry deals materialises before the deadline hits. Image source: customssuport.com Stand of the Chinese trade partners Currently, the US has eased the export restriction on China for conducting business with chip design software and ethane, indicating a calming trade tension between the two countries. This ease had come into being after signing an agreement in May, concluding a framework directing larger trade deals. US-based software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS)...
Futures market: On Friday last week, the night session of the most-traded alumina 2509 futures contract opened at RMB 3,015 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,025 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,981 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,012 per tonne, down RMB 12 per tonne or 0.40 per cent, with an open interest of 272,000 lots. Image for representational purposes only Ore aspect: As of July 4, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 74.3 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 74 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Australia low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 70 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; and the SMM Australia high-temperature bauxite CIF average...
In an era driven by sustainability, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the 13 th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition (IBAAS-IMMT-IIM 2025) emerges as a key global platform for the aluminium industry. 📅 Dates: October 8–10, 2025 📍 Venue: CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 🎯 Theme: A Green and Smart Aluminium Industry for Tomorrow Organized by the International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS) in association with CSIR-IMMT and the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) Bhubaneswar Chapter, the event is set to welcome over 300 global delegates, including industry leaders, technical experts, policymakers, and researchers. 🔑 Event highlights: 75+ technical presentations Covering bauxite...
One of Europe’s leading aluminium distributors and service providers, Becker Aluminium-Service, has been certified against the renowned Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 (2022). Becker Aluminium-Service, part of the Becker Group and a subsidiary of Klöckner & Co, one of the world’s largest producer-independent distributors of steel and metal products, specializes in coil processing with an annual output of 50,000 tons, supplying aluminium slit coils, custom-cut shapes, and small-format sheets in various sizes, thicknesses, and alloys. The company serves Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier One suppliers in the automotive sector and beyond. Becker Aluminium-Service was admitted as a certified member to ASI in July 2024. “We are excited about the ASI...
This week, the domestic aluminium scrap market continued to fluctuate at highs, with significant price differentiation. Spot primary aluminium prices fluctuated at highs during the week. As of July 3, the SMM A00 aluminium ingot prices closed at RMB 20,860 per tonne, up RMB 250 per tonne from last Thursday. Due to off-season demand suppression, the overall fluctuation of aluminium scrap was limited: shredded aluminium tense scrap, with its supply remaining tight, showed strong resilience against price drops, with quotes stable at RMB 15,800-17,300 per tonne (tax not included). Baled UBC, affected by weak orders from downstream scrap utilisation enterprises, experienced rangebound fluctuations during the week, ultimately closing at RMB 15,350-15,850 per tonne (tax not included), up RMB 50...
Vedanta welcomes the national aluminium vision document, launched by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal & Mines, Government of India. It is a pivotal step in charting the aluminium sector’s future and outlines a growth roadmap to transform India into a global aluminium hub. The strategic pillars outlined in the document, such as becoming Aatmanirbhar in aluminium production, achieving self-sufficiency in raw materials, transitioning to low-carbon operations, and enhancing value-added exports – together offer a roadmap to not just meet domestic demand but also claim a 10 per cent share of the global aluminium market by 2047, fulfilling the vision of an Aatmanirbhar, Viksit Bharat. Acknowledging the strategic and national importance of aluminium, the document highlights how...
In terms of domestic bauxite supply, according to SMM's calculations, China's bauxite production in June 2025 (30 days) decreased by 3.2 per cent MoM and increased by 4.1 per cent YoY. Regarding inventory, according to SMM data, in June 2025, the total inventory of bauxite raw materials at domestic alumina refineries increased by 3.0 per cent MoM and by 8.7 per cent YoY. As of June 27th, SMM reported a total bauxite inventory of 23.35 million metric tonnes at nine ports, with an increase of 1.79 million metric tonnes in port bauxite inventory compared to the previous month-end and a buildup of 9.37 million metric tonnes compared to the beginning of the year. Fundamentals side, bauxite continues to be in surplus, with inventory buildup continuing at ports and within alumina refineries. SMM...
According to a recent report, the Canadian government has entered into critical discussions with Rio Tinto to assess the financial support required to help the company overcome the crushing effect of the US aluminium and steel tariffs. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking on July 3 during her visit to Quebec's Saguenay region, confirmed that Ottawa is willing to provide liquidity support to safeguard jobs in Canada's aluminium sector. Businesses need liquidity, and we're ready to help - stated Joly during her meeting with local business leaders. The previous day, Minister Joly paid a visit to Rio Tinto's aluminium smelter in Arvida, Quebec, where she met with the company's leadership team, employees, and the union, and conveyed the Canadian government's message that its priority is to...
Gujarat-based H&H Aluminium Pvt Ltd has established India’s largest aluminium solar frame manufacturing facility in Rajkot with an investment of INR 150 million (USD 1.8 million. Located in Chibhda village and spread across 28,000 square meters, the facility has an annual production capacity of 24,000 tonnes. Image for referential purposes only The plant was inaugurated by Union Minister C.R. Patil (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation) at an event in Ahmedabad. Trial production began in June 2025, and the company expects to begin full commercial operations within the next month. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to generate annual revenues of INR 700–750 crore and provide direct employment to 300 people. To meet global quality...
Australia Pacific bauxite operations of Rio Tinto achieved a significant milestone during the last cyclone season, as it has not faced any ‘stack outs’ or any ship diversions at the Port of Weipa. This port is located on the far north coast of Queensland in a high weather-exposed part of the Western Cape Peninsula. Image for referential purposes only Rio Tinto exceeded its overall capacity of 22.8 million tonnes per year for the first time since its operations began in 2018, achieving almost 23.3 million tonnes in 2024. A major part of the contribution to the ongoing refinement process of Rio Tinto is managed remotely by the Operations Centre (OC) in Brisbane. Rio Tinto’s operations are being effectively maintained by the Safe Production System (SPS). The SPS is a production system that...
Electricity is one of the key inputs for an aluminium smelter, requiring around 13,000 to 17,000 kWh for one tonne (1000 kg) of production. So, the more electric supply, the better it is for any primary aluminium producer; and if it is a hydro or green energy supply, then the best it is for sustainability goals. Aluminerie Alouette Inc., a large aluminium smelter located in Sept-Îles, Quebec, Canada, partially owned by AMAG Austria Metall AG, has reportedly secured a long-term power contract from the state-owned Hydro-Québec, charting the path to greener production amp up. The news surfaced after the Alouette and Hydro-Québec signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing on supplying 1,035 MW of electricity from January 1, 2030, to December 31, 2045. In addition, 50 MW, divided into two...
This year’s Sustainable Packaging Summit (SPS) will be taking place at Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre in Utrecht on the 10th-12th November, with an extra day of content, more networking opportunities and an exclusive block party in the exhibition hall. The event is due to host over 700 delegates, 100+ speakers and more than 55 exhibitors. Confirmed speakers include Jeremy Blake, director of Circular Economy at Berry Global, Inc ; Tom Pollock, director of Strategic Partnerships at GreenBlue ; Olga Kachook , director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition ; and Rob Buurman, general director of the Fair Resource Foundation. Exhibitors include Henkel; recycling alliance interzero ; biomaterial start-up kelpi ; paptic ; Life Cycle Assessment software company Piqet and Japanese printing...
According to SMM survey estimates, China's prebaked anode production in June 2025 reached 1.9386 million tonnes, down 1.75 per cent Y-o-Y and 1.23 per cent M-o-M. Among this, the production of supporting prebaked anodes was 857,300 tonnes, while the production of commercial prebaked anodes was 1.0713 million tonnes. In June 2025, the overall operating rate of domestic prebaked anode enterprises remained stable. From the perspective of capacity release, some enterprises resumed normal production after completing maintenance, leading to a rebound in production. A few enterprises upgraded their production processes through technological transformations, enhancing production efficiency and further driving production growth. The successful commissioning of the roasting process for new projects...
US automakers Ford and General Motors reported a sharp rise in second-quarter vehicle sales, driven by a consumer rush to buy cars ahead of newly imposed tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. Image for representational purposes General Motors reported a 7.3 per cent rise in vehicle deliveries, reaching 746,588 units, driven by solid demand for pickup trucks, SUVs, and budget-friendly models. Ford outpaced GM with a 14.2 per cent sales increase, totalling 612,095 units, boosted by a widely popular employee pricing offer. The sales bump coincided with growing consumer concerns over price hikes due to the US government's 25 per cent tariffs on imported finished vehicles (effective April) and auto parts (effective May). However, White House officials introduced a two-year grace period and...
Constellation Brands, the beverage behemoth behind Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico, has publicly held Donald Trump’s reinstated aluminium tariffs responsible for its underwhelming Q1 2025 financial performance. And in doing so, it has flung a spotlight on a long-simmering trade policy issue with serious implications for the global aluminium packaging industry. For the first time in years, aluminium has moved from the quiet corners of the commodities trade into the earnings calls of Fortune 500 giants. Image for representational purposes only The company’s executive team revealed that aluminium tariffs will cost them an estimated USD 20 million in earnings this fiscal year alone, shaving 20 basis points off profit margins. The USD 20 million aluminium shock Constellation’s Q1 earnings missed...
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Nespresso does. The company is committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet while continuing to offer customers some of the finest coffees in the world. In keeping with this philosophy, Nespresso Canada and Éco Entreprises Québec are set to expand their ‘green bag’ coffee capsule recycling program to cover all municipalities across Quebec. The initiative aims to make recycling easier for consumers while aligning with the province’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations. As selective collection systems undergo modernisation in Quebec, Nespresso customers are encouraged to place their used coffee capsules in the green recycling bags. These bags are provided free with every Nespresso online order and are...
Vedanta Limited, an Indian metal giant has reported a robust operational performance in the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, with a particular highlight on its aluminium value chain. The highlight of the quarter was record alumina production at its Lanjigarh refinery, which reached an all-time high of 587 thousand tonnes. This marks a 9 per cent increase year-on-year and a sharp 36 per cent rise compared to the previous quarter. The growth in alumina output was primarily driven by Vedanta’s expansion of its refining capacity at the Lanjigarh facility in Odisha. The company recently enhanced the plant’s annual capacity from 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 3.5mtpa. This capacity upgrade, along with improved raw material availability and operational efficiencies, enabled the company...
Metro Mining Limited has reported record bauxite shipments of 589,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) in June 2025, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year increase. The milestone comes despite operational challenges caused by restricted drafts in the Skardon River, highlighting the company’s operational resilience. Image credit: business-humanrights.org The Australian miner, which operates the flagship Bauxite Hills Mine in northern Queensland, continues to make strides toward its 2025 shipment target of 6.5-7 million WMT. This performance builds on a strong growth trend, following previously reported record months and Metro’s all-time high shipment of 720 thousand WMT in August 2024. During a mid-month shutdown, Metro advanced critical maintenance work to optimise operations and improve future...
