Saudi Arabia’s aluminium consumption could climb to as much as 1.8 million tonnes a year by 2030, as the Kingdom ramps up infrastructure and industrial development ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Ahmad Al-Alshaikh, executive vice president of Maaden’s Aluminum Business Unit, said demand is expected to reach at least 1.6 million tonnes annually by 2030, up from around 1 million tonnes currently. Consumption could potentially double over the next five to seven years, he said. Speaking on the sidelines of the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference in Budapest, Al-Alshaikh said construction of 15 new stadiums for the football tournament is helping to support aluminium demand, Reuters reported. Major exhibitions and preparations for the World Cup are also expected to contribute to...
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...
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According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in May 2025 (31 days) increased by 2.66 per cent M-o-M and 4.06 per cent Y-o-Y. As of month-end May, China's existing capacity for metallurgical-grade alumina stood at approximately 110.82 million tonnes, with actual operating capacity declining by 0.46 per cent M-o-M and an operating rate of 77.3 per cent. Operating capacities of domestic alumina refineries varied in terms of increases and decreases during the month. Due to an overall decline in bauxite ore prices and a significant rebound in alumina prices, the profitability of alumina enterprises improved, leading to partial resumption of production at facilities that had undergone maintenance and production cuts earlier. Meanwhile, some new enterprises conducted...
Great opportunities are unlocked for today's youth in the United Arab Emirates. With the continuous vision of empowering UAE young generations, Emirates Global Emirates (EGA) along with The Federal Youth Authority (FYA) have signed a cooperation agreement. Both firms are focused on a common goal of fostering a supportive ecosystem, helping youth to tap into growth opportunities within the region. Image source: media.ega.ae This has been initiated under the presence of His Excellency Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi and UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs. Furthermore, the agreement has been signed by Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, the Chief Executive Officer of EGA and His Excellency Khaled Mohammed Al Nuaimi, the Director of the Federal Youth Authority at EGA's headquarters located in Al...
As soon as the news broke about the US President Donald Trump’s decision to double aluminium and steel tariffs from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, effective from June 4, 2025, major producers and exporters of aluminium and steel worldwide began assessing the implications of the double-whammy, steep tariffs. India, being a country among the top 10 aluminium exporters to the United States , has assessed that its metal exports worth USD 4.56 billion would face headwinds. A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warned that Indian exports would become more expensive in the US market, potentially reducing their competitiveness and affecting overall trade volumes. GTRI said "For India, the consequences are direct. In FY2025, India exported USD 4.56 billion worth of iron, steel, and...
Industrial Physics, a global leader in test and measurement solutions, has unveiled two state-of-the-art automated gauges aimed at boosting precision and productivity in metal packaging: the Torus Z606 Automatic Score Inspection Gauge and the Torus Z345 Automatic Color Inspection Gauge. The Torus Z345 is the world’s leading automatic colour and artwork inspection system featuring integrated X-Rite® technology. Engineered for decorated aluminium and steel beverage cans, it enables high-resolution colour scanning and inspection at precise, pre-defined checkpoints suitable for body diameter, straight-walled, and finished cans. Cans can be loaded in any orientation, either via an automatic in-feed conveyor or directly from the production line. A high-resolution colour-scan camera captures and...
The composite PMI for the aluminium processing (including downstream) industry in May was recorded at 49.8 per cent, approaching the 50 mark but remaining in contraction territory. It fell by 1.8 percentage points M-o-M and increased by 8.7 per cent Y-o-Y. By sector, in May, the domestic aluminium plate/sheet and strip industry was affected by weak end-use demand and the seasonal off-season, with both the production index and the new orders index falling below the 50 mark. Image for representational purposes only However, the easing of Sino-US trade tensions spurred a rush in exports for end-use sectors such as home appliances and electronics, boosting production and alleviating the pressure from insufficient domestic demand. The aluminium foil industry contracted overall, with...
Ball Corporation, a leading aluminium packaging provider, has teamed up with Açaí Motion, a Brazilian natural energy drink brand, to launch a new line of sustainable aluminium cans certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). These ASI-certified cans reflect a commitment to high environmental, social, and governance standards across the entire production chain from mining to final manufacturing. The certification supports transparency and responsible sourcing, empowering consumers to choose products that align with sustainable values. According to Ball, the cans are equipped with its exclusive internal coating technology, designed to preserve the beverage’s flavour and nutritional value while enhancing shelf life. This innovation meets consumer expectations and gives Açaí...
Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC) concluded Q12025 (January to March) with net sales of Rs 4.65 billion, marking a modest 1 per cent Y-o-Y increase most importantly, avoiding a decline. The company also recorded a Y-o-Y surge of 4.29 per cent in its gross profit, arriving at Rs 1.445 billion from Rs 1.385 billion clocked during Q1 2024. In a market where Coca-Cola Pakistan and Pepsi-Cola International have seen mid-single-digit drops in domestic volumes, maintaining stable revenue reflects a noteworthy outperformance. Across the region, Western soda brands faced a 7 per cent sales downturn in the first half of 2024 due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Market researcher NielsenIQ reported a 7 per cent decline for Western soda brands across the Middle East and South Asia in...
In terms of domestic bauxite supply, according to SMM calculations, China's bauxite production in May 2025 (31 days) increased by 5.0 per cent M-o-M and 19.1 per cent Y-o-Y. It is understood that in the coming period, some mines are undergoing environmental protection inspections, which may subsequently have some impact on bauxite production. Image for referential purposes only In terms of inventory, according to SMM data, in May 2025, the total inventory of bauxite raw materials at domestic alumina refineries increased, up 7.2 per cent M-o-M and 4.8 per cent Y-o-Y. As of May 30, SMM statistics showed that the total bauxite inventory at nine ports was 21.56 million tonnes, with port bauxite inventory increasing by 1.37 million tonnes compared to the previous month-end. Fundamentals side,...
The Department of Energy has reversed its course, announcing the withdrawal of USD 3.7 billion in funding previously awarded to clean energy and manufacturing projects under the Biden administration. Image credit: energy.gov The decision affects 24 projects across sectors like advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation and chemical manufacturing. Recipients range from giants like Exxon Mobil and Kraft Heinz to startups like Skyven, Brimstone and Sublime Systems. Brimstone Energy, also working on low-carbon cement and alumina production, responded with cautious optimism. The startup emphasised its alignment with national priorities, particularly around boosting domestic critical mineral output. “Given our project’s strong alignment with President Trump’s priority to increase US...
BYD's largest car carrier, the BYD Shenzhen, has made a powerful debut on the global stage, docking in Brazil just one month after setting sail on its maiden voyage. The massive vessel arrived at the Port of Itajaí, delivering 7,300 brand-new BYD new energy vehicles (NEVs) a major milestone in the company's international expansion. Towering at 219.9 meters in length with a beam of 37.7 meters, the BYD Shenzhen is a floating giant. Spanning 16 decks and capable of carrying up to 9,200 vehicles, it boasts a loading capacity equivalent to 20 football fields a true titan of the seas. Officially delivered on April 22 in Yizheng, Jiangsu province, the ship is the fourth car carrier in BYD's growing fleet, reinforcing the automaker's commitment to sustainable transport and efficient global...
AL Circle is pleased to announce the release of its comprehensive industry-focused market research report, "World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis: Industry Forecast to 2032." This report study offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of the global recycled aluminium sector, a market that is increasingly vital in the global push towards decarbonisation, sustainability, and a circular economy. As industries worldwide prioritise low-carbon solutions, recycled aluminium has emerged as a cornerstone material, offering remarkable energy savings of up to 95 per cent compared to primary aluminium production while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. AL Circle's new report delves into the key factors shaping this dynamic market, offering a detailed analysis of:...
When the European Union unveiled its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the ambition was clear: to build a fortress against carbon leakage, shield domestic industries from unfair competition, and incentivise global decarbonisation. It was heralded as the world’s most sophisticated climate tariff, with a complex, bold, and precise outline. Image for referential purposes only But as the legislation transitions from theory to implementation, a critical vulnerability has emerged. And it’s not in exotic energy systems or abstract accounting tricks. It’s in something far more mundane, yet deceptively potent — aluminium scrap. As for the current plan, CBAM creates a multi-billion-euro arbitrage opportunity for foreign aluminium producers. And the loophole is alarmingly simple. Both...
Alpha HPA has marked a landmark moment in the evolution of its Stage Two HPA (High Purity Alumina) First Project in Gladstone, awarding a flagship $20 million-plus concrete works contract to McCosker Contracting, one of the region's premier civil construction firms. This pivotal partnership places McCosker at the forefront of building the cutting-edge high-purity alumina facility, tapping into the company's deep local expertise and workforce. More than just a contract, this deal exemplifies Alpha HPA's unwavering dedication to championing local industry and driving economic growth in Gladstone. With McCosker's trusted team delivering every major concrete element, the project is poised to unlock significant regional opportunities — a powerful boost for the community and a bold step forward...
A leading Indian solar module manufacturer, Waaree Energies Limited, has announced an international deal to supply 586 MW of solar modules, valued at USD 176 million, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Waaree Solar Americas. An operator of utility-scale solar and energy projects in the United States has placed the order, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the financial year 2026-2027. Image source: IndiaMART The manufacturing of the booked solar modules will take place in the Waaree Solar Americas' Texas facility, which the company is setting up to serve the growing US market. This will not only expand the firm's presence within the US renewable energy sector but should also reflect on its revenue in the next financial year, given the company’s 78 per cent of revenue comes from solar...
The composite PMI for the aluminium downstream and alloy processing industry in May was recorded at 49.8 per cent, approaching the 50 mark but remaining in contraction territory. It fell by 1.8 percentage points M-o-M and increased by 8.7 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). The main reasons were the arrival of the off-season in May, coupled with the aluminium price fluctuating at highs, weak end-use demand in the industry, and sluggish growth in new orders. Image source: https://industrialmetalservice.com/ The primary aluminium alloy industry in May exhibited characteristics of "stability amid pressure and structural transformation," maintaining overall production resilience but with strong wait-and-see sentiment and no rush in exports. The downstream demand for secondary aluminium in May...
India’s green energy transition is reaching a turning point, with private powerhouses Greenko, Adani Green Energy, and JSW Energy racing to lead the charge. These giants are now at the heart of the country’s bold push into pumped storage hydropower pipeline (PSH), an essential pillar in India’s clean energy future. The latest data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) reveals that Greenko, Adani Green Energy, and JSW Energy are poised to deliver nearly 66 per cent of India’s planned 51.24 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage capacity by 2032. This ambitious rollout of long-duration energy storage marks a critical pivot in India’s decarbonisation strategy. The call for flexible, on-demand storage is surging as the grid becomes increasingly powered by solar and wind. Pumped storage...
The global aluminium and steel industries are in for another jolt as US tariffs take a sharp new turn. Just a day after a Federal Court ordered a halt to the implementation of tariffs, sending through global optimism, President Donald Trump reversed course dramatically. Not only did he secure a suspension of the court's ruling , but he also announced a doubling of tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, effective Wednesday, June 4, 2025. What seemed like a moment of relief quickly turned into renewed uncertainty as celebrations over the court's block were cut short by the President's swift and unexpected escalation. Trump’s decision to doube tariffs - whimsical or strategic? While addressing a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, President Trump reiterated...
Domestic bauxite market: The domestic bauxite market remained calm this week, with stable operations prevailing. As of today, in Shanxi, the transaction price for bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and 60 per cent alumina content, excluding VAT, for self-pick-up at the crushing plant, was approximately RMB 580-620 per tonne; in Henan, the transaction price for bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and 60 per cent alumina content, excluding VAT, for self-pick-up at the crushing plant, was around RMB 550-590 per tonne; in Guizhou, the transaction price for bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.5 and 58 per cent alumina content, excluding VAT, for self-pick-up at the crushing plant, was RMB 410-450 per tonne; in Guangxi, the transaction price for bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 6.0 and 53 per cent...
