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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According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products reached 506,000 tonnes in March 2025, showing a year-on-year slight decrease of 1.17 per cent but a significant month-on-month increase of 24.02 per cent. Cumulative exports from January to March totalled 1.365 million tonnes, marking a 7.6 per cent year-on-year decline, indicating persistent downward pressure on the industry. An SMM survey revealed that export enterprises completed new rounds of import order negotiations in March, with order volumes gradually recovering, providing some support for March's export volume. However, industry differentiation emerged as leading sheet, strip, and foil enterprises experienced export order declines, primarity due to small...
지속가능한 알루미늄 솔루션을 공급하는 세계 최대 알루미늄 압연 및 재활용 기업 노벨리스가 ‘울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터’를 준공하고 본격 가동을 시작한다고 밝혔다. 노벨리스가 고베제강과의 합작법인인 ‘울산알루미늄’에 6천5백만 달러를 투자해 건립한 울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터는 연간 10만톤의 저탄소 알루미늄 시트 잉곳을 생산할 수 있다. 경북 영주에서 아시아 최대 규모의 알루미늄 음료캔 재활용 시설을 운영하고 있는 노벨리스는 울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터 준공으로 국내에서 연간 약 47만톤의 알루미늄 재활용 생산 능력을 확보하게 됐다. 뿐만 아니라, 노벨리스가 전액 출자한 울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터는 캔, 자동차, 산업재 등 다양한 유형의 알루미늄 스크랩을 재활용할 수 있는 설비를 갖춰 노벨리스의 알루미늄 재활용 역량은 한층 강화될 전망이다. 노벨리스는 울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터를 통해 연간 42만톤 규모의 탄소배출 감축 효과를 거둘 것으로 예상하고 있다. 이는 나무 한 그루가 연간 흡수하는 탄소량을 22kg 으로 보았을 때 약 1,900만 그루가 흡수하는 양에 해당한다. 알루미늄은 보크사이트 광석에서 알루미늄을 생산할 때보다 재활용시 에너지 소비와 탄소 배출량을 각각 95% 줄일 수 있고, 품질 저하 없이 무한 반복해 재활용할 수 있는 대표적인 순환 자원이다. 사친 사푸테 노벨리스 아시아 사장은 "울산 알루미늄 리사이클 센터는 음료 포장재, 자동차, 고품질 스페셜티 제품 등 다양한 산업에서 늘어나는 고객들의 지속가능한 저탄소 알루미늄 수요를 충족하기 위한 전략적 투자”라며, “노벨리스는 재생 알루미늄...
On April 11, 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) reportedly determined to issue antidumping duty orders and countervailing duty orders that imports of disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China are causing material injury to the US industry. The Commission found that these products are sold in the US at less than fair value and are subsidised by the Chinese government. This decision follows a complaint filed in May 2024 by the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA) and its member companies, including Durable Packaging International, Handi-foil Corp., and Reynolds Consumer Products. USITC plans to publicly post its full report about the aluminium container determination by May 26, 2025. Image for representational purposes...
As Expo 2025 Osaka begins, the UK Pavilion welcomes visitors with the theme 'Come Build the Future—a tribute to British creativity'. Wrapped in a pixelated skin of folded, perforated aluminium panels, the pavilion's façade shifts gently with the changing daylight and transforms after dark to reveal a glowing Union Jack. This dynamic, light-responsive surface pays homage to the origins of programmable technology—such as punch cards, looms, and binary code—while drawing a thread from Britain's historic textile industries to its modern-day leadership in gaming, digital design, and systems thinking. Designed by London-based WOO architects, the pavilion features a striking, angular modular design that reflects the nation's journey from the Industrial Revolution to the digital era, blending...
On Monday, the most-traded SHFE Aluminium contract closed at RMB 19,685 per tonne, up 0.31 per cent. LME Aluminium rose 0.51 per cent, closing at USD 2,369 per tonne. The average spot price by SMM was RMB 19,760 per tonne, up RMB 180 per tonne, with a discount of RMB 10 per tonne. The average spot price by Nanchu was RMB 19,740 per tonne, up RMB 180 per tonne, with a discount of RMB 30 per tonne. According to SMM, on April 15, aluminium ingot inventory stood at 724,000 tonnes, down 20,000 tonnes W-o-W from last Thursday. The aluminium billet inventory in major domestic consumption areas was 226,400 tonnes, down 8,700 tonnes W-o-W from Thursday. On the macro front, data from the General Administration of Customs showed that China's total import and export value of goods trade in Q1 2025...
Imagine you’re at a bustling party where everyone is milling about randomly—no one’s dancing together. Now, picture a friend rolling out a long, narrow carpet and suddenly, people line up and start waltzing in pairs. That’s a bit like what happened on early Earth, only the ‘carpet’ was a mineral called α‑alumina, and the dancers were the building blocks of life. α‑Alumina (a form of aluminium oxide) is one of the most common minerals in Earth’s crust — think of it as the ‘everyday rock’ hiding beneath our feet and in clay, sand, and even the gritty surface of your kitchen countertop. Scientists have now shown that its flat, orderly surfaces could have served as nature’s own dance floor for simple molecules. The big mystery has always been how lone amino acids, tiny molecules like glycine,...
Norwegian industrial leader Hydro and shipping company Wilson ASA are setting a new standard in energy-efficient logistics with the launch of the "Wilson Eyde." Named in honour of Sam Eyde, the pioneering industrialist who founded Hydro and was instrumental in launching Norway's hydropower-based industry in the early 20th century, the new vessel includes some exciting features. This newly refitted vessel will harness wind-assisted propulsion to transport pitch—a crucial raw material used by Hydro in the production of primary aluminium. Pitch, derived from the distillation of coal tar, acts as a binder in the carbon anodes essential for aluminium smelting. Since the 1980s, vessels "Leiro" and "Lindo" have reliably delivered this vital material to Hydro's anode production sites in Norway....
In a landmark development for the metals sector, Brazilian Rare Earth (BRE) and Rio Tinto have signed a revised agreement to advance the Amargosa bauxite‑gallium project in Bahia, Brazil. This collaboration seeks to unlock one of the highest‑grade undeveloped gallium prospects in the world while securing a fresh source of bauxite, the critical feedstock for aluminium smelting. With global aluminium markets navigating tight supply dynamics, surging demand in green technologies and construction, and price volatility, the Amargosa pact arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. Image source: https://www.ainvest.com/ The Amargosa project Located in north‑eastern Brazil, the Amargosa tenement neighbours BRE’s rare‑earth holdings and hosts both high-grade bauxite and significant gallium...
Aluminium—sleek, strong, and stunningly versatile—has long been the silent hero of modern outdoor living. It resists rust, shrugs off storms, and stands firm through sun-drenched summers, making it the perfect backbone for structures that live under open skies. Guess what and how this green metal has been used this time – in a stunning and classy pergola. Image Source: Walmart Between unpredictable spring storms and the blazing summer sun, enjoying your backyard can be a challenge. That’s where a pergola comes in handy—offering protection from rain and a shady retreat from the heat. Right now, Walmart is offering a major deal on one of its top-rated options: the Aecojoy 10 x 14 hardtop aluminium pergola is on sale for just $480—a whopping 77 per cent off the regular price. This aluminium-...
Alumina was in the doldrums, with the AO2505 contract closing at RMB 2,816 per tonne overnight, down 0.81 per cent, and open interest decreased by 744 lots to 132,000 lots. SHFE aluminium was also in the doldrums, with the AL2505 contract closing at RMB 19,680 per tonne overnight, down 0.18 per cent, and open interest increased by 3,445 lots to 204,000 lots. Image for representational purposes only On the spot side, SMM alumina prices continued to retreat to RMB 2,868.5 per tonne. Spot premiums for aluminium ingots shifted from RMB 20 per tonne to a discount of RMB 40 per tonne, with Foshan A00 prices rebounding to RMB 19,740 per tonne, on par with Wuxi A00. Downstream aluminium billet processing fees remained stable in Henan, increased by RMB 20 per tonne in Linyi, and decreased in...
India has recently turned to the World Trade Organization, requesting consultations with the United States over tariffs imposed on aluminium and steel imports by the Trump administration in 2025. As a valuable trade partner of the United States, exporting between 100,000-200,000 tonnes of aluminium and aluminium products in a year had earlier also sought consultations with the US to discuss tariffs, back in 2018 when the US government first imposed 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium, justifying the move as necessary for protecting its domestic industry under national security grounds. Seven years later, in February 2025, the US reaffirmed the flat 25 per cent tariffs on India's both aluminium and steel exports for an indefinite timeline. In response, India once again...
The aluminium industry is undergoing a huge transformation. With sustainability and transparency now essential, businesses are prioritising responsibly sourced materials. Recently, Capral Aluminium and Vedanta unlocked a milestone. Capral, an Australia-based national supplier and distributor of aluminium products, has been leading the charge toward more sustainable sourcing, progressively expanding its supply of ASI Chain of Custody (CoC)-certified aluminium. In February, Capral received the world’s first ASI CoC-certified aluminium shipment from Vedanta Aluminium—highlighting both a global first for Vedanta and Capral’s ongoing dedication to responsible sourcing. “As an Australian manufacturer, we have a responsibility to ensure that the materials we source support a sustainable future....
Vedanta Aluminium faces a severe environmental fine of INR 71.16 (USD 8.52 million) crore for a suspected breach of fly ash disposal regulation, as issued by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board on April 10, 2025. However, Vedanta Aluminium is repudiating the allegation and is on the way to taking legal action for the same. Image source: Eco Material Technologies What is fly ash? When pulverised coal is burned in a power plant to generate electricity, it creates a hazardous byproduct known as fly ash. In its true nature, fly ash has no benefits, but the byproduct consisting of aluminous and siliceous components is used to extract and produce aluminium-fly ash composites. Although it has no direct use in aluminium smelters, it can serve as a good source of alumina and can be...
Clean Cult, a US-based sustainable cleaning brand, launched its aluminium-packaged products at over 300 Costco locations nationwide in April 2025. This move aims to eliminate plastic waste from home cleaning by offering refillable aluminium bottles and paper-based carton refills. The initiative aligns with Clean Cult's mission to provide effective, affordable and sustainable cleaning solutions. Image source: Clean cult The use of aluminium in Clean Cult's packaging ensures durability and reusability, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. This innovation marks the introduction of aluminium for the first time in the home cleaning category within a club store environment. Clean Cult has eliminated plastic packaging by offering filled and refillable 20 fl oz aluminium bottles in scents...
Ghana is positioning itself to become a key player in the global bauxite industry while simultaneously developing a fully integrated aluminium sector. With an estimated 900 million tonnes of bauxite reserves primarily located in Awaso, Nyinahin, and Kyebi, the West African nation is committed to leveraging its natural resources to boost bauxite production and drive sustainable economic growth. In line with Ghana’s future roadmap, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC), jointly owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) and the Government of Ghana, aims to achieve a production of 6 million tonnes of bauxte in a year by the end of 2025. Upgrading infrastructure and operational efficiencies would be the key requirement to attain the 6 million tonnes goal. GBC, by investing USD 122.97 million,...
A UK consortium has unveiled a prototype rare-earth-free synchronous reluctance motor featuring aluminium hairpin windings in place of traditional copper. Named the Alumotor, this innovative design offers a durable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional permanent magnet motors, with the potential to reduce manufacturing costs by up to 60 per cent. Aluminium hairpin windings are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional copper windings in electric motors, especially within the automotive sector. They provide several benefits, including reduced weight, lower material costs, and potentially better heat dissipation. The project is spearheaded by environmental and engineering consultancy Ricardo, in collaboration with Aspire Engineering, Brandauer, Warwick...
Rufus Olusesan, National President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to revive the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill. He stressed that bringing the facility back to life is crucial for producing key raw materials such as aluminium and copper at affordable rates—resources vital to the survival and growth of Nigeria's industrial sector. For the unversed, machinery used in aluminium production often incorporates steel, particularly in casting, extrusion and other processes. Other devices, such as rolling equipment, ladles, and crucibles, are made of steel. Aluminum serves multiple roles in steelmaking, notably as a strong deoxidiser and grain refiner. It is also used as a...
On Monday, the organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games revealed the official torches that will carry the flame of the Games. Crafted from recycled alloys of aluminium and brass, the torch named Essential weighs over one kilogram. Proudly manufactured in Italy, each torch embodies the spirit of Italian design, cutting-edge technology, and environmental sustainability. Designed with sustainability and reusability at its core, the torches can be refilled and reused up to ten times—markedly cutting down the number needed for the relay. The torches were unveiled in a joint ceremony held at the Triennale di Milano in Italy and Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan—symbolising the global unity of the Olympic Movement and the rich cultural heritage of the host nation. The...
