Japan imported 1.36 million tonnes of downstream aluminium products in January–August 2026, down 6.2 per cent from 1.45 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The latest figures show lower overall imports, with shipments from the UAE seeing the biggest decline among the five leading exporters listed, while imports from Australia also fell. Japan’s total imports decline Japan’s downstream aluminium imports stood at 1.36 million tonnes through August 2026, a drop of around 90,000 tonnes, compared to shipments in 2025 during the same period. However, annual imports remained broadly stable over the previous three years, rising from 2.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.12 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 0.3 per cent. In 2025, imports edged up by a further 0.1 per cent to 2.12 million...
Bering Yachts has presented the first hull of its BC60 aluminium explorer catamaran, marking the shipyard’s move to a twin-hull platform while retaining the long-range capability and structural robustness associated with its established explorer vessels. The 18.9-metre vessel has already been delivered and is afloat, with founder and CEO Alexei Mikhailov providing a detailed walkthrough of its design and onboard systems. Measuring 18.9 metres (60 feet) in length overall, with an 8.6-metre beam, the BC60 is designed as a displacement explorer rather than a high-speed production catamaran. Its all-aluminium construction, shallow draft and substantial fuel capacity are intended to support extended passages and greater autonomy at sea. The vessel has a draft of 1.58 metres and carries more...
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Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has appointed three executives across finance, legal and organisational development, strengthening its leadership capabilities as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has strengthened its leadership team with three strategic appointments spanning finance, legal affairs and organisation development. The company has appointed Layla Al Qassab as Director of Finance, effective September 1, 2026; Taimur Tufail as Manager Legal, effective August 23, 2026; and Aysha Salem as Manager Organisation Development & HR Analytics, effective September 6, 2026. Alba said the appointments will further strengthen its leadership capabilities, enhance organisational effectiveness...
The Pentagon has announced a USD 174 million financing package for the aluminium producer Alcoa to set up a gallium production facility at its Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia, bringing critical mineral production into the refinery’s operations. The new facility is expected to produce approximately 100 tonnes of gallium metal annually. Construction began last month, marking a significant step towards expanding production of the critical metal and strengthening supply capabilities. The initiative is a multinational partnership with Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Government of Japan, and Sojitz Corporation. To learn about the market potential of aluminium dross, explore " ALuminium Dross Processing: Generation, Recovery & Strategic Roadmap " Gallium is not generally mined...
Asia’s alumina exports entered 2026 on a strong footing, with shipments to global markets reaching 7.05 million tonnes worth USD 2.76 billion in H1 2026 , up 27.36 per cent year-on-year . The sharp rise in H1 was driven by a quarter-on-quarter surge by a considerable margin. This indicates an acceleration in aluminium production, translating into an increased demand for alumina in the market. The key question for H2 2026 is whether Asia can maintain this pace despite geopolitical disruptions, evolving refinery capacity and changing market demand. H1 2026 sets a strong export benchmark Comparing the H1 export graphs of Asia across 2026, 2025 and 2024, the Y-o-Y improvement remains consistent. H1 2026 – 7.05 million tonnes, up 27.36 per cent Y-o-Y from H1 2025 H1 2025 – 5.54 million tonnes,...
Canada will raise tariffs on US steel and aluminium to 50 per cent from September 8 as part of a CAD 27.6 billion (USD 19.88 billion) retaliatory package, while Ottawa introduces CAD 7.5 billion (USD 5.4 billion) in support for workers and businesses affected by the trade dispute. Canada will double its tariffs on US steel and aluminium from 25 per cent to 50 per cent , while imposing additional duties on more than 700 American products as trade tensions between the two countries intensify. The measures, which take effect on September 8, form part of a CAD 27.6 billion (USD 19.88 billion) retaliatory package. The federal government said the measures are intended to match the latest round of US tariffs on Canadian goods dollar for dollar. The new duties will also cover products including...
Aluminium prices settled 0.35 per cent higher at INR 345.6 (USD 3.64), backed by declining exchange inventories, expectations of additional fiscal measures in China and concerns over constrained supply from the Middle East. However, improving production prospects in the region limited further gains. Aluminium warehouse scenario Aluminium inventories in Shanghai Futures Exchange ( SHFE )-monitored warehouses declined by 3 per cent from the previous week. Stocks at three major Japanese ports also fell 8.8 per cent month-on-month to 201,000 tonnes at the end of July, partly reflecting lower imports from the Middle East amid tensions resulting from the US-Iran conflict. China's economic outlook has also supported expectations of further policy measures. The country's GDP growth slowed to 4.3...
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have advanced the use of DuAlumin-3D for high-temperature automotive components, opening new possibilities for stronger, lighter 3D-printed aluminium parts in engines and beyond. Aluminium has long been attractive for automotive components because it combines low weight with useful thermal properties. But when manufacturers try to push aluminium into demanding, high-temperature applications using additive manufacturing, the material can run into a major problem: cracking during the printing process. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have now demonstrated that DuAlumin-3D, an innovative aluminium alloy, could help overcome that limitation. The alloy performed better than traditional aluminium alloys during laser powder bed...
Epsilon Advanced Materials has secured INR 1,450 million (USD 15.24 million) in government CAPEX support under India's Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, strengthening plans to scale domestic graphite anode production for batteries. India's push to build a self-reliant battery materials supply chain has received a fresh boost after Epsilon Advanced Materials secured government approval for its graphite anode material project under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). The company has been approved for INR 1,450 million (USD 15.24 million) in capital expenditure support, equivalent to 25 per cent of the project's total capital investment, from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The approval is particularly significant because Epsilon...
New Zealand’s aluminium extrusion industry is calling for urgent government action as it faces growing pressure from low-priced imports. The Aluminium Extruders Association of NZ (ALENZ) says a rise in imported aluminium extrusions, particularly from China, is affecting local manufacturers, with some products entering the market at prices below the cost of the raw aluminium billet used by domestic producers. ALENZ applied for a safeguard investigation into aluminium extrusion imports, and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer initiated the investigation on May 27. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is required to report to the minister by late September under the statutory 85-working-day timeframe set out in the Trade (Safeguard Measures) Act. The...
Ireland’s Department of Enterprise has refused to release correspondence with Aughinish Alumina, saying the information was provided in confidence and could potentially affect the Limerick refinery’s business if disclosed. The decision follows the Irish government’s earlier review of allegations concerning alumina exports from the refinery to Russia. That review found no adverse findings against Aughinish Alumina. It said the Department found “no evidence corroborating the media assertions” after seeking information from bodies inside and outside Ireland. The latest issue relates to correspondence between the Department of Enterprise and Aughinish Alumina management. A Freedom of Information request was submitted on June 17 seeking access to the documents, but the Department refused to...
India’s green hydrogen push is gradually moving from targets and project announcements towards building the infrastructure needed for large-scale production. Manufacturing facilities, renewable power projects, ammonia plants and port infrastructure are becoming important parts of the next stage of development. The country aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. So far, the government has awarded 3 GW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity to 15 companies and 862,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen production capacity to 18 companies. Another 724,000 tonnes per year of green ammonia supply has been allocated for 13 fertiliser units across the country. Gujarat is emerging as a major location for these investments. Around...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price chart recovered on the August 28 trading session across the pricing and contract segments compared to the August 27 close. On the inventory side, opening stocks and live warrants remained stable for three consecutive sessions. The LME aluminium cash bid and offer prices gained 0.3 per cent day-on-day on August 28. The bid shifted from USD 3,212 per tonne to USD 3,221.5 per tonne, and the offer surged from USD 3,212.5 per tonne to USD 3,222 per tonne . Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook On August 28, the LME aluminium three-month bid and offer prices reported a 0.78 per cent rise over the August 27 session. The...
What happens when an automaker starts building a business beyond cars? For Hyundai Motor Co., robotics is becoming a key part of that shift, with the company moving from using robots in its factories to developing, manufacturing and deploying them at scale. Hyundai is laying the groundwork to become a physical AI and technology company following its takeover of robotics maker Boston Dynamics. The move comes as the company looks to diversify its revenue, with its automotive business currently accounting for nearly 80 per cent of revenue. The next step is already taking shape at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Savannah, Georgia, where the company manufactures all-electric vehicles. Hyundai opened its Robot Metaplant Application Center there in June. The centre simulates real...
Global bauxite flows rose to 20 million tonnes in July 2026, up more than 3 per cent year on year, as a sharp increase in shipments to China offset declines across almost every other region. However, the strength in July may not fully carry into the coming months, with Guinea’s expected export restrictions prompting buyers to bring purchases forward. Bauxite flows destined for China increased by 5 per cent in July, providing the main support to global volumes. India, despite recording a surge in bauxite imports during 2026, saw shipments destined for the country fall by 2 per cent in July. This was only the second monthly decline recorded so far this year. Flows to the UAE remained under pressure as the conflict in the Arabian Gulf region continued to affect shipments. July marked the...
Who doesn’t enjoy a steaming cup of perfectly brewed coffee from a processor that appears dedicated to making your morning energetic? Jura has given its second-generation Z10 fully automatic coffee machine featuring solid aluminium for its distinctive convex-concave front panel and housing accents, a stylish new twist with an Aluminium Champagne finish. The new aluminium-look finish joins Aluminium Black and Aluminium White, adding a little more flair to a machine featuring 51 hot, light, cold and sweet coffee specialities. The machine covers four beverage categories, i.e., Hot Brew, Light Brew, Cold Brew and Sweet Foam, offering users everything from everyday coffee and espresso to cold creations and sweeter options. It is accompanied with a chocolate attachment for its Sweet Foam...
European aluminium foil deliveries showed a clear improvement in the second quarter of 2026, following a subdued first quarter. EAFA member companies delivered around 238,000 tonnes between April and June, up 0.6 per cent year on year and 5.8 per cent higher than the 225,000 tonnes delivered in Q1. The quarter-on-quarter improvement came as the market began to recover from the weakness seen at the start of the year. In Q1, European aluminium foil deliveries fell 4.3 per cent year on year, while Q2 saw European deliveries increase 0.8 per cent. Exports outside Europe also stabilised, moving from the weaker first-quarter environment to a virtually unchanged result of 0.6 per cent in Q2. June provided the strongest signal of the shift, recording the first clearly positive monthly result of...
Saudi Arabian Mining Co. (Maaden) has secured USD 1 billion in inaugural international syndicated credit facilities, with strong demand from global lenders highlighting confidence in the company's expansion strategy and Saudi Arabia's broader mining ambitions. Maaden has secured USD 1 billion in international credit facilities as the Saudi mining giant looks to expand its operations and capture opportunities created by the Kingdom's rapidly developing mining sector. The financing was significantly oversubscribed, attracting participation from leading international banks across the US, Canada, Europe, China and Japan. The strong demand gives Maaden broader access to international sources of capital while signalling lender confidence in the company's financial position, strategic direction...
The aluminium industry is entering the second half of 2026 with demand signals moving in different directions. Beverage cans are finding new consumption opportunities in Brazil, extrusion demand remains resilient in key markets, and aluminium producers are benefiting from firmer prices. At the same time, tariffs and trade-policy uncertainty are adding cost pressure, while automakers and packaging companies are placing greater emphasis on aluminium’s role in lower-carbon products. Demand: New consumption patterns open fresh opportunities Brazil’s beverage can market is maintaining a positive trajectory in 2026, with 16.4 billion cans sold in the first half and full-year growth expected in the low single digits. The more interesting development, however, is the changing beverage mix. Beer...
If aluminium has a pressure point right now, it sits one step upstream of the metal itself - in alumina. China’s appetite for imported ore remains elevated, alumina markets diverge between regions, and disruptions in Guinea and Australia expose logistics risks. At the same time, tariffs and regional premiums are reshaping the economics of aluminium, making access to competitively priced alumina and metal increasingly dependent on geography, trade routes and policy. Bauxite supply: Sourcing, scrutiny and shifting trade flows Jamaica and Ghana are negotiating a USD 60 million arrangement in which Jamaican bauxite would be refined into alumina at ATALCO’s Gramercy, Louisiana plant before shipping to Ghana’s aluminium industry. Talks, backed by Ghana’s President Mahama, began in March 2026...
