The supply question is becoming particularly relevant as North American extrusion demand becomes more diversified. Construction remains an important consumption base, but transportation, electrical and electronics, industrial applications and digital infrastructure are creating additional requirements for higher-performance aluminium extrusion profiles. The shift is also changing what buyers need from suppliers, with greater emphasis on precision, complex geometries, automotive-grade alloys and thermal-management capabilities. North American aluminium extrusion usage is estimated at 2.91 million tonnes in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2 per cent . The region is therefore set for incremental demand, even as its extrusion supply chain continues to evolve. North America’s...
Novelis is cutting roughly one-third of its workforce at its Kingston, Ontario, aluminium facility, with the company citing the impact of US tariffs on aluminium imported from Canada. The company is reducing its salaried workforce by 10 employees and temporarily laying off approximately 70 hourly workers, according to a statement issued by Novelis on Friday, September 18. The cuts affect roughly one-third of the facility's workforce. “These are difficult decisions that affect our colleagues and their families, and we are supporting those impacted through this transition,” Novelis said. Novelis pointed to the Section 232 duties imposed by the US on aluminium imported from Canada as the reason behind the workforce reduction. To know the global production, demand and consumption forecasts of...
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Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), one of India’s iconic aluminium producers has taken a significant step towards sustainability by introducing six Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its waste management fleet in Korba. Korba is a city and an industrial area in Korba District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. With a load capacity of 1,000 kilograms each, these EVs enhance efficient and segregated waste collection , promoting systematic and eco-friendly waste disposal. In a further push towards green operations, BALCO has also deployed electric lithium-ion forklifts within its facilities. Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, stated, “At BALCO, we are actively investing in innovative green solutions that not just transform our operations but inspire a movement towards...
In light of recent media speculation over the past few weeks—including reports concerning a proposal from Mr James Cameron to acquire Eurasian Resources Group (ERG)—Mr Shukhrat Ibragimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of ERG, has clarified that there are no ongoing negotiations regarding the sale of the company. Sole producer of high-grade aluminium in Kazakhstan, the group is also one of the major suppliers of copper and cobalt. Mr Shukhrat Ibragimov affirmed that the company's leadership remains fully committed to ERG's long-term, sustainable growth. At the end of 2024, the Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan focused on advancing the Group's development and investing further in its operations, which the company is actively executing. In Africa, ERG's copper...
According to data released by China's General Administration of Customs, the country imported 16.47 million tons of bauxite in March 2025, marking a 14.23 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) and 39.06 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase. Cumulative imports for the first quarter of 2025 (January-March) reached 47.09 million tonnes, up 30.0 per cent YoY (HS code: 26060000). Image for representational purposes only Mainstream import sources show strong growth Guinea: China imported 12.999 million tonnes from Guinea in March, soaring 21.16 per cent M-o-M and 47.73 per cent Y-o-Y, setting a new monthly record. Shipments, dispatched between late February and March, maintained high volumes despite a slight decline in daily average shipments. April imports from Guinea are projected to dip slightly...
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that partially replacing copper in EV conductors with aluminium can reduce vehicle weight and improve energy efficiency. They propose using cold welding to combine the strengths of both metals without sacrificing conductivity. In this process, aluminium and copper bond at the atomic level along the contact surface. While higher temperatures typically improve mixing, they also tend to produce brittle intermetallic phases—crystals that form between the metals and hinder conductivity. Cold welding helps avoid these, preserving electrical performance. To prevent the formation of brittle crystals, researchers at NTNU have developed a new method called Hybrid Metal Extrusion and Bonding (HYB). PhD research...
Premier Energies, a prominent producer of solar modules and cells, has announced the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Energies GWC Private Limited. As per the regulatory filing, this new subsidiary will focus on the manufacturing and processing of silicon ingots and wafers using advanced technologies for solar cell applications. Aluminum contributes significantly to the manufacturing of silicon ingots and wafers, serving both as a dopant and in various bonding and coating applications. During ingot growth, aluminium can be introduced to modify the electrical characteristics of the silicon, tailoring it for specific semiconductor functions. The newly formed subsidiary has been established with an authorised share capital of INR 1 million, comprising 100,000 equity shares...
Lakeside Auto Recyclers in Carter Lake, Nebraska, is poised to reclaim processing work as 25 per cent tariffs raise the cost of imported metal. Local recyclers say the aluminium levy could redirect business back to their yard, where yard manager Nick Hanson oversees a 60-strong team processing 8,000 tonnes of recycled steel each month. Image for representational purposes only “It’s a little scary just based off what happened in 2016 and 2018 with the aluminium, it crashed drastically,” Hanson said, adding “Since then, there’s a lot more domestic options for your shredded cast aluminium. So I think it could be a positive, I really do.” Hanson is optimistic that the tariff impositions can potentially pull in buyers to recycled materials produced within the US. “This is part of a car engine,...
The United States’ 2024 aluminium market has further demonstrated a clear shift from primary to secondary sector, as evidenced by a Y-o-Y drop in primary metal production and a rise in scrap recovery. According to the United States Geological Survey, the country’s primary aluminium production recorded a decline of 9.92 per cent from 750,000 tonnes in 2023 to 675,600 tonnes in 2024, while its scrap recovery increase by 4.83 per cent from 3.31 million tonnes to 3.47 million tonnes. Monthly production trend While analysing the monthly trend this year, it is observed that the United States primary aluminium production ranged between 52,000 and 57,000 tonnes, following a peak in the first month of the year amounting to 63,000 tonnes. Similarly, scrap recovery was mostly around 292,000 to...
The United Kingdom aerosol industry marked a return to growth phase in 2024 after a three-years declining notion, with total production rising to 1.45 billion units, a 1.97 per cent increase over 2023. After a prolonged period of stagnation between 2021 and 2023, where production hovered around 1.44 billion units, this uptick signals renewed momentum for the sector. The figures, released by the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA), are based on contributions from UK-based fillers and are considered a reliable snapshot of current market activity. Alike world trend, UK’s personal care aerosols continue to dominate, accounting for approximately 75 per cent of all fillings in 2024. According to retail sales data from Kantar World Panel, this category saw a 3 per cent increase over...
Travelling has not only become more comfortable but also sustainable. Just imagine a car that ensures luxury however looks forward to promote a greener environment. In addition, Renault’s Emblème redefines sustainable automotive design by seamlessly blending intelligent resource use with aesthetic and functional innovation. Renault Group is emerging as a leader in low-carbon transportation. In alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, the Group reshaped its strategy to significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help keep global temperature rise well below 2°C. “The ambition of the Renault Emblème project was to achieve maximum decarbonisation by designing a car that is attractive, efficient, family-friendly, comfortable, high-tech and versatile in use. More than a...
As demand for electric vehicles soars, the environmental impact of battery production and disposal is under increasing scrutiny. The 2023 EU Battery Regulation imposes stricter sustainability targets, requiring 50 per cent lithium recovery by 2027 and 80 per cent by 2031. By 2031, minimum recycled content levels must reach 16 per cent for cobalt, 85 per cent for lead, and 6 per cent for lithium and nickel1. These regulations drive manufacturers to enhance recycling efficiency and adapt to evolving sustainability standards. In the US and the UK, similar legislative movements are underway, with governments pushing for a circular battery economy to mitigate the environmental impact of electric vehicle waste. While battery recycling moves into the spotlight amid tightening regulations and...
British startup Longbow, founded by former Tesla and Lucid engineers, has unveiled two groundbreaking electric sports cars, the Speedster and Roadster, marking the debut of the world's first featherweight electric vehicles. These models aim to redefine electric performance by combining ultra-lightweight design with high-end engineering. Image source: Longbow Motors Central to Longbow's innovation is its bespoke aluminium chassis, which provides exceptional stiffness while minimising weight. The Speedster weighs just 1,973 pounds and the Roadster comes in at 2,194 pounds, both significantly lighter than typical electric vehicles. This lightweight construction enhances agility and efficiency, offering a unique driving experience. Performance-wise, the Speedster accelerates from 0 to 60...
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) are a very important step for boosting recycling rates, reducing litter and moving towards a circular economy. Government around the world is taking up actions to promote DRS. In a recent stint, the Goa State Government has announced plans to appoint a dedicated ‘system operator’ to oversee the implementation of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS)for non-biodegradable materials like aluminium cans and glass. “A mechanism to compensate urban local bodies (ULBs), panchayats, and private entities for the usage of space and/or assisting waste collection can be mutually agreed upon between the system operator and ULBs/panchayats/waste collectors,” a senior officer said. Under this scheme, consumers purchasing products with non-biodegradable packaging will be required to...
Apple’s effort to source 15 key materials, like aluminium, rare earths and lithium, from recycled or renewable sources is leading to notable cuts in manufacturing emissions. Image source: Apple Aluminium plays a central role in Apple’s sustainability efforts, with the company making significant strides in incorporating recycled aluminium into its products. By using recycled aluminium, Apple has reduced the need for primary aluminium production, which is highly energy-intensive. This shift is not only beneficial for the environment but also supports Apple’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint. Since 2015, Apple has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent, with a target of 75 per cent by 2030, as noted in its 2025 Environmental Progress Report released on April 16. Emissions...
Futures: In the night session, the most-traded alumina 2509 contract opened at RMB 2,811 per tonne, with a high of RMB 2,824 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,787 per tonne, and closed at RMB 2,814 per tonne, down RMB 17 per tonne, a decrease of 0.61 per cent, with an open interest of 219,000 lots. Ore: As of April 18, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 88.74 per tonne, up USD 0.03 per tonne from the previous trading day, mainly due to a slight increase in caustic soda prices. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 88 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 87 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia high-temperature bauxite CIF average...
Canyon Resources Limited, the Australian business operating in the bauxite mining vertical, has made quite a progress in the development of its Minim Martap Bauxite Project by implementing a two-stage development plan aimed at accelerating production and enabling the first bauxite shipment by 2026. Image Source: https://canyonresources.com.au/ Key advancements include securing a USD 123.96 million loan for the purchase of rolling stock, fetching government approval for the location of a rail facility, and making a forward-looking investment in CAMRAIL SA. These developments are expected to enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen supply chain relationships, and position the project for future growth, ultimately benefiting stakeholders and reinforcing the project's viability as a...
Azerbaijan, increasingly recognised as an emerging player in aluminium production but still a newbie now, produced 15,500 tonnes of aluminium (including semi-finished products) during the first quarter of 2025. That marked a 5.8 per cent rise compared to the same period last year, reinforcing its growing reputation as a budding hub for aluminium production. Image source: Britannica Based on the data available in many reports, the growth in aluminium production in Azerbaijan could be attributed to the increasing demand for rolled products, fuelled by the unprecedented scale of residential construction being carried out in the country, where a huge amount of aluminium profile is being used for glazing works. The increase in aluminium demand in Azerbaijan is evident from the previous year’s...
On April 18, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo - Industrial Aluminium Extrusion Forum, Yao Kexin, senior analyst of aluminium products at SMM, analysed the Chinese industrial aluminium extrusion market. According to him, China's aluminium extrusion supply and demand situation has experienced rapid development over the past decade, with promising prospects for lightweight extrusions required by NEVs and aluminium extrusions for PV applications. Image source: New Construction Aluminium In the future, the demand for construction extrusions is expected to decline as the real estate sector slows down, while the demand for industrial extrusions will increase, with aluminium usage in PV, automotive, machinery equipment, and durable goods sectors...
2025 can be called as the year of trade, tariffs and war. This week or that week, the tariff implications are growing stronger and more tensed with each passing day. The latest salvo being Scott Bessent’s statement that “all options are on the table,” including the potential delisting of Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges. This holds the potential to send shockwaves through the global aluminium industry. To know more about how this decision could become a turning point for Indian & non-Chinese aluminium producers click here . This is not just it- as per the latest information, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs of up to 245 per cent on a broad array of Chinese imports . Combined with the existing 25 per cent levy, Chinese aluminium and steel...
