According to SMM statistics, as of September 17, aluminium billet inventory in major domestic consumption areas recorded 152,500 tonnes, down 500 tonnes from last Thursday (September 10) and down 5,000 tonnes from this Monday (September 14). The persistent upward trend in inventory since mid-August has shifted slightly, turning into a modest pullback from highs. On a Y-o-Y basis, inventory was approximately 17,500 tonnes higher than the same period in 2025, about 31,000 tonnes higher than 2024, and roughly 61,000 tonnes higher than 2023, with total inventory still at the highest level for the same period over the past four years. From the perspective of warehouse withdrawals, aluminium billet withdrawals during September 7–September 14 recorded 38,900 tonnes, up 2,800 tonnes W-o-W, ending...
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...
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Alcoa Corporation delivered a robust financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, marking a sharp turnaround from the prior year and a solid improvement over the previous quarter. Net income more than doubled sequentially, driven by higher aluminium prices, effective cost management, and strategic operational decisions. Despite slight revenue contraction and new US tariffs on Canadian aluminium, Alcoa’s performance reflected operational resilience and smart capital moves. Alcoa posted a net income of USD 548 million (USD 2.07 per share) in Q1 2025, up 171 per cent from USD 202 million in Q4 2024 and a stark reversal from the USD 252 million loss in Q1 2024. Adjusted net income reached USD 568 million (USD 2.15 per share), showing a 106 per cent increase from the prior quarter....
AL Circle, the world's fastest-growing global ALuminium ecosystem, is delighted to share the official launch of its flagship annual publication – ‘ Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025 ’ . As the global aluminium industry grows sustainably, ‘ Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025 ’ brings together the voices of some influential leaders and decision-makers across the aluminium value chain. This exclusive e-Magazine offers readers a panoramic view of the trends, technologies, and transformations shaping the industry in 2025 and beyond. Why ‘Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025’ matters This year's edition is especially significant, released at a time when the aluminium sector is navigating complex challenges and bold opportunities—from green manufacturing and digitalisation to energy transition and supply chain...
Chrysler is set to celebrate a century of automotive innovation in 2025, marking 100 years since its founding. From April 16-27, the brand will take centre stage at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which itself commemorates 125 years. This dual milestone will spotlight Chrysler’s evolution with a showcase of three key models representing its past, present and future. Image source: Chrysler At the heart of the exhibit will be the 1924 Chrysler Six, the brand’s first production car, which introduced engineering breakthroughs like aluminium pistons and hydraulic brakes, cutting-edge for its time. Alongside it, the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid exemplifies Chrysler’s present-day leadership in the minivan segment, boasting class-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and hybrid...
HPQ Silicon Inc., a technology company focused on developing green engineering solutions, has re-issued an amended version of its April 10, 2025, press release in response to a request from l’Autorité des marchés financiers. The announcement highlights the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HPQ, its French subsidiary NOVACIUM SAS (“Novacium”), and GLD Alloys (GLD), a prominent Malaysian producer of recycled aluminium. Through this collaboration, HPQ, Novacium, and GLD are joining forces to harness GLD’s expertise in producing low-carbon recycled aluminium alloys — a critical material in the formulation of METAGENE™ fuel. The signing of the MoU also aims to explore opportunities for scaling up the industrial production of METAGENE™ fuel — Novacium’s proprietary...
In a bold move that has reignited trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs of up to 245 per cent on a wide range of Chinese imports. With the initial 25 per cent remaining in place, the total tariff to be paid by the aluminium and steel exporters from China shoots up to 270 per cent. This sharp escalation is nothing but a further intensification of the US-China trade war and is already sending ripples through global markets, manufacturing, and supply chains, with implications that extend well beyond the Pacific. Image for representational purposes only The decision, formalised through a White House fact sheet, targets critical Chinese exports, including those linked to high-tech industries. Among the materials affected are gallium, germanium, and...
i2r Packaging Solutions, a UK-based manufacturer of aluminium trays, has added another range of sustainable containers. The company has expanded its Ultra container range with the introduction of a new 260mm x 260mm x 50mm format. Specifically developed for large ready-to-cook meals and multi-portion food items, the company highlights that this latest addition offers improved strength while maintaining a lightweight design. Set to launch soon with a premium retailer for pasta-based family meals, the new tray provides a direct alternative to conventional packaging solutions. Tom Cliffe, i2r’s sales director, said, “This profile fills a niche for manufacturers producing large, premium ready-to-cook products. The Ultra design offers a distinct competitive advantage in strength and shelf...
Geomega Resources, in partnership with Rio Tinto, has made significant progress on its bauxite residue valorisation pilot project, which was launched in March 2022. The process is structured into three sequential circuits, each undergoing individual testing and scale-up. Depending on the composition of their bauxite residue and strategic goals, refinery clients will have the flexibility to license Circuit 1 alone, a combination of Circuits 1 and 2, or the full suite of Circuits 1 through 3. Circuit 1 (C1) targets the removal of alkalinity and enables the recovery of key offtake materials such as sodium, calcium, aluminium, and silica. This circuit alone contributes to a reduction of 10 per cent to 30 per cent in the overall waste volume. Circuit 2 (C2) focuses on the extraction and...
Futures: Last night, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2506 contract opened at RMB 19,550 per tonne, with a high of RMB 19,635 per tonne, a low of RMB 19,505 per tonne, and closed at RMB 19,635 per tonne, up RMB 65 per tonne, or 0.33 per cent, from the previous close. Yesterday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,373 per tonne, with a high of USD 2,390 per tonne, a low of USD 2,352 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,388.5 per tonne, up USD 16.5 per tonne or 0.7 per cent. Macro: (1) Fed Chairman Powell: Policy is in a good position, and we need to wait for clearer data before considering adjustments. Cryptocurrencies are gradually becoming mainstream, and related regulations are expected to be relaxed. Tariffs are likely to stimulate a temporary rise in inflation, and the impact may last for a long...
Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, is bringing back its popular Easter-themed campaign – ‘Munch, Scrunch, Recycle!’ – for 2025. Aimed at local authorities, the campaign offers a simple way to engage with residents and encourage best practice recycling. Over the next few weeks, almost 90 million Easter eggs will be sold in the UK, most of which are likely to be wrapped in recyclable aluminium foil. To maximise kerbside capture rates, Alupro’s campaign aims to influence best practice recycling behaviours and drive positive change. Local authority representatives are encouraged to download a range of free, ready-to-use resources through the Alupro Resource Library. The resources, which include static and animated social media graphics , are specifically designed to...
Shandong Foundry Metal Technology Co., Ltd has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for the production of magnesium and aluminium alloy components. The Certification covers aluminium re-melting and refining, cold and hot chamber die-casting, grinding, and CNC machining processes carried out at production facilities No. 6, No. 12, and No. 16 in Laizhou City, Shandong Province, China. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Shandong Foundry Metal Technology Co., Ltd has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The Entity operates three production plants and produces magnesium alloy and aluminium alloy products using precision die-casting and extrusion processes. It operates extrusion casting machines, cold and hot chamber...
Canada’s manufacturing sector posted modest overall growth in February, but the aluminium and alumina industry carried the weight. According to Statistics Canada, total manufacturing sales rose by 0.2 per cent to CAD 72.9 billion, the sector’s highest level since September 2023. The increase was almost entirely driven by a sharp rise in primary metal sales, which grew by 8.3 per cent to reach a record CAD 6.9 billion. The main driver is the strong domestic and international demand for Canadian aluminium and alumina. Industry data shows that non-ferrous metals, particularly aluminium products, saw notable gains in both volume and value. Canadian producers benefitted from increased orders across key export markets, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In the United States,...
On Monday, April 14, Goldman Sachs revised its aluminium price forecast for 2025, adopting a bearish outlook due to the impact of newly imposed US tariffs on aluminium and auto parts imports. The investment bank now expects aluminium prices to average $2,000 per tonne in the third quarter of 2025 — a significant downgrade from its previous forecast issued just six months ago . While prices are anticipated to rebound slightly by December to $2,300 per tonne, this figure still falls short of the earlier projection of $2,650. At the time of the forecast release on Monday, aluminium was trading at approximately $2,392 per tonne on the London Metals Exchange (LME) as of 1300 GMT. In addition to revising aluminium price outlook, Goldman Sachs also shifted its global market forecast, now...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) is pleased to announce its approval of the first four LME-licensed warehouse facilities in Hong Kong. This follows the LME’s approval of Hong Kong as an LME warehouse location on 20 January 2025. Matthew Chamberlain, LME CEO, said: “Being able to confirm the listing of our first warehouse facilities so swiftly after announcing Hong Kong as an LME delivery point is an exciting development for the LME. We are grateful for the strong level of interest from warehouse companies and service providers, as well as from metal owners looking to access Hong Kong storage and logistics. “Hong Kong is now well-positioned to further develop as a key global metals hub servicing the region, and as a gateway for access to the Mainland China market – reinforcing Hong Kong’s...
Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation, has reportedly demonstrated a positive start to 2025, achieving record-breaking quarterly bauxite output and setting a new monthly production high in March. Rightfully enough, Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said the company continued to deliver attractive growth in both operational and financial areas, generating substantial returns for shareholders and building a stronger and more diversified business. Production in focus In Q1 2025, Rio Tinto’s bauxite production reached 15 million tonnes, marking a significant Y-o-Y increase of 11.94 per cent from 13.4 million tonnes and a quarter-on-quarter decline of 3 per cent from 15.4 million tonnes. Alumina output was 2 million tonnes, up by 3 per cent Y-o-Y but...
China Hongqiao Group Limited, the world’s second-largest primary aluminium producer, has received a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, moving from ‘BB-’ to ‘BB’ with a stable outlook. The upgrade is a ripple effect of the company’s improved financial condition, characterised by strong cash flow and reduced debt levels, despite a significant reliance on short-term debt. Image Source: Wikipedia The optimistic upgrade is stimulated by vigorous demand for aluminium, driven by China’s energy transition initiatives. The company’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio is projected to remain between 0.9x and 1x until 2026, indicating healthy leverage levels. However, approximately 60 per cent of China Hongqiao’s debt is short-term, posing potential liquidity risks. Effective management of this debt...
Adventure just got a sleek new sidekick! Jeep has pulled the wraps off its 2025 Wagoneer Overland Special Edition at the New York International Auto Show and the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Limited to just 2,000 units, this off-road beast blends rugged strength with refined charm perfect for thrill-seekers with a taste for luxury. Image source: Jeep Aluminium plays a pivotal role in the Overland’s design. The SUV rides on 20-inch aluminium wheels paired with 32-inch all-terrain tyres, enhancing durability and reducing unsprung weight. This contributes to improved handling and fuel efficiency, aligning with sustainable automotive practices. Built on the Series II trim, the Overland Edition boasts a Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with an electronic limited-slip differential and a...
Recent data on April 11 showed a significant increase in the weekly total port arrivals of bauxite at domestic ports, reaching 5.7141 million tonnes, up by 2.5903 million tonnes compared to the previous week. Image for referential purposes only Meanwhile, the weekly total port departures of bauxite from main ports in Guinea decreased by 328,000 tonnes to 3.9875 million tonnes, and in Australia by 110,800 tonnes to 1.0815 million tonnes. In the short term, the outlook for domestic bauxite imports remains strong. March saw an average weekly port arrivals of 4.35 million tonnes, a notable increase from January and February. During the first two weeks of April, the average weekly port arrivals further rose to 4.42 million tonnes, indicating a potential increase in bauxite imports compared to...
When Romanian aluminium producer Alro sounds the alarm, it’s not just about Romania. It’s a signal to the entire European industrial complex: brace for a flood of cheap Chinese aluminium — and brace fast. Image source: Taihe Institute In a pointed public statement, Alro Chairman of the Board of Directors, Marian Năstase, warned of an imminent danger from Chinese aluminium imports priced below the cost of production. His message? Europe is sleepwalking into industrial decline while China quietly eats its lunch. “The [trade war] affects us, most of all, not necessarily because we cannot sell more on the American market, but because we will be invaded by goods from Asia, mainly Indonesia and China, which will come and suffocate the European market, no longer being able to go to the United...
