Macro perspective: Outside China, the US Fed raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75per cent-4.00per cent as expected, the first hike since July 2023, with a unanimous FOMC vote. The dot plot showed one more possible rate hike in 2026, extending the period of high interest rates. As a result, US Treasuries saw heavy selling, the US dollar and real yields rose, directly weighing on the valuation of dollar-denominated nonferrous metals. Geopolitically, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persisted, with Iran claiming the strait was under its "smart control," and a regional shipping security meeting originally scheduled in Oman was forced to be postponed, raising energy transport and risk premiums. Overall, macro sentiment was mixed. Fundamentals: Supply side, this week, China's weekly...
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...
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A study carried out by Eunomia and commissioned by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has revealed that renewable electricity and recycling will be the key drivers of emissions reductions in the aluminium industry. Titled as Decarbonisation Pathways in Aluminium Vs. Competing Materials, the research underscores the role of aluminium in industrial decarbonisation, comparing its emissions reduction pathways to those of steel, copper, container glass, and PVC. The study revealed that renewable electricity and recycling will be the key drivers of emissions reductions in the aluminium industry. The research highlighted that combining renewable electricity and recycling will be the primary driver of emissions reductions for aluminium. In contrast, copper’s decarbonisation will rely...
A devastating explosion in a firecracker storage godown on Dhunva Road in Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, claimed 21 lives and left six others injured on Tuesday morning. A forensic investigation has confirmed that aluminium powder, a key ingredient in firecrackers, was responsible for the massive explosion and subsequent blaze. Image Source: ANI The blast, caused by a boiler explosion, triggered a fire that led to the roof's collapse, trapping workers inside. Authorities later revealed that the factory's application for licence renewal had been rejected in December after a police inspection found a complete lack of safety measures. In addition to aluminium powder, a team from the forensic science laboratory (FSL) also discovered yellow dextrin powder at the warehouse where the...
Alupro has announced a strategic partnership with the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), aiming to improve waste management education and increase kerbside recycling rates. Through this collaboration, Alupro seeks to engage with local authorities, share best practices and promote consumer awareness campaigns. As part of the agreement, Alupro will work closely with LARAC to provide expert guidance on aluminium packaging recycling. It will also use LARAC’s communication channels, including blogs, articles and website advertisements, to highlight its latest consumer education programmes. The collaboration reinforces Alupro’s role in aluminium packaging recycling, driving household participation and supporting its goal of a 100% recycling rate. This partnership will help...
Futures market: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2505 contract opened at RMB 20,455 per tonne, with a high of RMB 20,520 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,430 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,520 per tonne, up RMB 80 per tonne, or 0.39 per cent. Yesterday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,509 per tonne , with a high of USD 2,510 per tonne , a low of USD 2,485 per tonne , and closed at USD 2,489.5 per tonne , down USD 15 per tonne , or 0.60 per cent. Macro: (1) On April 2, Eastern Time, Trump announced that the US will set a 10 per cent ‘minimum benchmark tariff’ for all trading partners and impose higher tariffs on several trading partners. Among them, China, the EU, and Japan will be subject to additional tariffs of 34 per cent, 20 per cent, and 24 per cent, respectively; Indonesia,...
Indian conglomerate Vedanta, spanning metals to oil, is seeking a global partner for expansion projects worth $20 billion, according to a tender document. Led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, the company—soon to be split into five entities:Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil and Gas, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, and Vedanta Power. Vedanta has not disclosed specific details about the tender issued last week. However, its plans include a $2 billion to $2.5 billion investment to expand subsidiary Hindustan Zinc's production. Another unit, Cairn India, has outlined a $5 billion strategy to increase oil output fivefold. Meanwhile, Vedanta's power division aims to double its 5-gigawatt (GW) capacity and expand into nuclear energy and power distribution. In February, the company...
A Associação Brasileira do Alumínio (ABAL) reforça sua preocupação com os impactos da sobretaxa sobre os produtos de alumínio brasileiros. É importante destacar que o documento recentemente divulgado pelo Escritório do Representante Comercial dos Estados Unidos (USTR) não faz menção específica a uma nova medida para produtos de alumínio, que já enfrenta uma sobretaxa de 25% desde 12 de março deste ano. Embora ainda seja cedo para medir os efeitos diretos dessas sobretaxas nas exportações brasileiras de alumínio para os EUA — visto que não se completou sequer um mês da sua aplicação. A ABAL chama atenção para os potenciais efeitos indiretos e estruturais de médio e longo prazo, especialmente no que diz respeito à suscetibilidade do país aos desvios de comércio e à desestruturação da cadeia...
The long-awaited joint venture between Alcoa Corporation and IGNIS Equity Holdings, SL (IGNIS EQT) has officially been established to ensure the continued operation of Alcoa’s San Ciprián complex. Initially announced in October of the previous year, the joint venture has come to fruition as of March 31, 2025, following extensive discussions with the Spanish National Government, having all agreements remain intact. Alcoa, as a major shareholder of the JV with a 75 per cent stake, has contributed USD 81 million, and IGNIS Equity, with a remaining 25 per cent share, has invested USD 27 million in forming the joint venture under a financial and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) advisory by FTI Consulting Spain and FTI Capital Advisors Spain. Going ahead, Alco will invest up to USD 108 million if...
A grand success witness, Sandhar Ascast, a subsidiary of Sandhar Technologies, a leading automotive parts manufacturer, after the acquisition of Sundaram-Clayton’s Hosur aluminium die-casting business. In the present market condition, the acquiring company witnessed an increase of 2.82 per cent, amounting to INR 397 or USD 4.63 (as of April 2, 2025, 15:43 IST) in their shares. Image source: Freepik Sandhar Ascat, with the procedure laid down by a Business Transfer Agreement , acquired Sundaram-Clayton’s Hosur aluminium-die casting unit at an all-cash deal, which was valued at INR 163 crore (USD 19.03 million) with the vision to streamline their core business areas, shareholder value and the overall operations. The parent company, with the acquisition of the aluminium die casting business...
With an agenda of counteracting persistent overcapacity and subsequently stabilising global alumina prices, China has come up with a bunch of measures (of course, in a series) aimed at curtailing the rapid expansion of alumina production. The new directives, outlined in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) Action Plan for the High-Quality Development of the Aluminium Industry (2025–2027), extensively highlight the need to shift the country’s approach to managing its aluminium supply chain. Policy overview and strategic objectives The latest policy mandates that firms who are planning to establish new alumina projects must secure adequate bauxite supply to ensure a balanced and sustainable growth model. This requirement is a successor to the earlier guidance...
On Tuesday, April 1, Unilever announced the acquisition of personal care brand Wild, further advancing its portfolio optimisation strategy toward premium and high-growth categories as part of the Growth Action Plan 2030. Founded in 2020 by Charlie Bowes-Lyon and Freddy Ward, Wild has transformed the natural deodorant market with its innovative reusable aluminium cases and biodegradable refills. Image Source: Wild website Building on this success, the brand has expanded its product line to include body wash, hand wash, and lip balms, all featuring sustainable, refillable packaging. This acquisition marks a strategic step forward for Wild in its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Partnering with Unilever will unlock access to world-class research and development, extensive...
Futures: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2505 contract opened at RMB 20,425 per tonne, with a high of RMB 20,465 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,365 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,415 per tonne, down RMB 70 per tonne, or 0.34 per cent. Yesterday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,542 per tonne, with a high of USD 2,551.5 per tonne, a low of USD 2,502 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,504.5 per tonne, down USD 34 per tonne, or 1.34 per cent. Macro: (1) Huang Yun, spokesperson for the State Taxation Administration, revealed at a press conference on April 1 that the administration plans to promote the ‘buy and refund’ policy for departure tax refunds nationwide. (Neutral) (2) The White House stated that the tariffs announced by Trump on April 2 will take effect immediately. Trump will deliver...
A strategic yet surprising agreement occurred in late March 2025 between Berlin-based Yamaha Motors and a German automotive part manufacturer, Brose. This agreement was for the acquisition of the German company’s bicycle drive unit (eKit) as Yamaha Motor Europe’s subsidiary to expand their business within the continent. However, the agreement shall be officially finalised by June 2025 as it is yet to be approved by the antitrust authorities. Image source: Yamaha Motor Europe As of 2024, the share of Brose was at 7 per cent with respect to the market condition of the European e-bike motor. If compared, Yamaha Motors Europe only held a 5 per cent share within the e-bike motor European market. With this agreement, the motor company gained an advantage to start the operation of Yamaha Motor...
Hyundai Mobis is set to integrate low-carbon aluminium, produced using solar energy, into the manufacturing of key automotive components starting this year. This initiative is a crucial step in the company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. The company announced that it has signed a contract with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), a leading global aluminium producer, to secure 15,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, EGA produces this eco-friendly aluminium using solar power. As a vital material for lightweighting electric vehicles and other mobility solutions, aluminium plays a key role in sustainable transportation. By prioritising eco-friendly raw material procurement, Hyundai Mobis aims to strengthen its green supply chain and support the...
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, has reportedly mandated certain products, mostly belonging to the aluminium industry, to adopt BIS standards and obtain licenses to sell products in the domestic market. BIS plays a crucial role in product certification schemes, offering third-party assurance of quality, safety, and reliability to consumers. Although the BIS certification scheme is typically voluntary, the Central Government has made it mandatory for certain products to obtain licenses in the interest of consumer protection, environmental safety, fair trade practices, and national security. This mandate comes after two consecutive raids by BIS at aluminium casting factory , Ibex Engineering Pvt. Ltd. in Karnataka, and at aluminium alloy ingot...
For the second time in just a year, West Virginia faces the brunt of business closures and job cuts. Following the shutdown announcement of Novelis’ Buckhannon plant in March 2024, the aluminium giant is now closing its Fairmont manufacturing facility. After days of speculation, workers were informed on April 1, 2025, that the plant was shutting down permanently. Simultaneously, Novelis is also set to close its facility at 1801 Reymet Road in Chesterfield next month. A company spokesperson stated that the move is part of a broader restructuring strategy, with the Chesterfield shutdown costing over 70 jobs. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed in West Virginia, the Fairmont plant will close on June 30, 2025. “This closure is permanent and will affect...
Portugal is set to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers by 2026, aiming to enhance recycling rates and strengthen its waste management system. SDR Portugal will oversee the initiative, with Sensoneo providing the technological infrastructure. This collaboration underscores Portugal's commitment to environmental sustainability and positions it as a leader in Southern Europe's recycling efforts. Image source: OECD Sensoneo's technology will manage the entire DRS process, including collection, reverse logistics and waste tracking. The system will feature user-friendly mobile applications to encourage public participation and simplify recycling. By leveraging Sensoneo's expertise, Portugal joins other European nations that have successfully implemented...
A preliminary survey was recently conducted on Forest Department land in Narlam in preparation for proposed bauxite mining operations. The inspection was led by M.C. Kishore, Additional Director of State Mining and Geology, with the participation of Revenue and Forest officials. Bauxite deposits have been identified across 150 hectares, and the survey aimed to assess the land available for mining. A detailed survey is scheduled to begin next week and is expected to be completed within a month, after which a report will be submitted to the State government. Mining activities will be confined to forest land, focusing on rocky areas while avoiding soil-rich zones, residential areas, and places of worship. Officials estimate that at least 100 hectares will be available for extraction. Mining...
Equispheres, a leader in optimised aluminium powders for Additive Manufacturing (AM), has partnered with mobile AM pioneer Fieldmade to introduce NOMAD®03—a breakthrough mobile aluminium 3D printing micro-factory. This innovation extends laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) beyond conventional manufacturing settings, enabling on-demand aluminium part production in remote and field locations where safety and performance are critical. Image Source: Fieldmade Fieldmade’s NOMAD®03 micro-factory—a mobile, deployable AM system—now enables aluminium part production using Equispheres’ NExP-1 non-explosive aluminium powder, broadening the scope of metals processed in the field. With tunable parameters for diverse applications, NExP-1 supports rapid build speeds, exceptional part quality, and consistent...
