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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Bauxite, alumina and aluminium - both wrought and unwrought - are globally traded with strong interdependencies across these supply chains. In light of recent global trade developments, a key concern for the Australian Aluminium Council is the distortion of international trade flows, which disrupt efficient market operations and increase the risk of trade diversion. The Council welcomes the Australian Government’s clear Statement of Expectations for the AntiDumping Commission, which plays a critical role in protecting Australian manufacturers from unfair trade practices. In a significant move, this is the first time a Government has so clearly articulated its expectations of the Commission, recognising the increased risks faced by Australian manufacturing at this time. This is timely...
As the countdown begins for Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on April 2, several of the United States' major trade partners are preparing countermeasures. The European Union, which shares a long-standing trade relationship with the US, is also working on its strategy to respond to fresh tariffs. Image source: Shutterstock Brussels, the EU's administrative centre, known for its tit-for-tat tactics in response to US tariffs, ensuring that their retaliatory actions match, but never exceed, the US administration's moves, is again gearing up for a similar strategy. In 2018, the target of the countermeasure was the iconic American brand Harley-Davidson, which saw a 25 per cent additional tariff on imports, while this year, the sights are set on big tech companies such as Elon Musk's social...
Botanical soda brand Moment has partnered with Crown Holdings, Inc. to enhance its sustainability efforts by upgrading the aluminium packaging for its botanical and adaptogen-based beverages sold across the U.S. Image Source: Crown Holdings By transitioning from shrink-wrapped aluminium cans to directly printed cans—renowned for their superior sustainability—Moment aims to significantly improve packaging circularity and reduce its environmental footprint. The company selected Crown for its extensive packaging expertise, advanced graphic design capabilities, technical support, and strong commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Capsules and Closures, LLC, a key partner, is providing further support in this transition. "Moment represents an exciting corner of the beverage industry that...
Yamaha Motor Australia Pty. Ltd. has signed a purchase agreement with subsidiaries of BRP Inc., a Canada-based company, to acquire full ownership of Telwater Pty Ltd, an Australian aluminium boat manufacturer. The completion of this acquisition is subject to obtaining necessary clearances, permits, and regulatory approvals, including those related to competition laws. With its iconic brands, QUINTREX and STACER, Telwater has been a leader in designing and manufacturing aluminium boats in Australia for nearly four decades. Its integration into the Yamaha Motor Australia Group aligns with Yamaha Motor’s global commitment to delivering top-quality products and the ultimate *Kando experience to customers. This acquisition strengthens Yamaha Motor’s foundation for expanding its market presence...
In a calculated move to tackle the overstuffing of the ‘material in question’ in its domestic aluminium industry, the Indian government imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imports from China. Effective from March 17, 2025, this measure levies duties ranging between USD 619 and USD 873 per tonne on aluminium foil up to 80 microns in thickness, with the exception of foil below 5.5 microns intended for non-capacitor applications. This action follows the Directorate General of Trade Remedies’ (DGTR) preliminary findings, which concluded that the influx of low-priced Chinese aluminium foil has inflicted material injury on India’s domestic producers. The DGTR’s investigation revealed that Chinese imports had seized nearly 30 per cent of the Indian market despite the...
As of March 31, 2025, Wisconsin Aluminium Foundry, the leader in aluminium and copper-based alloy casting, has officially announced its strategic expansion plan by acquiring Anderson Global, based out of Michigan. Image source: iStock The acquisition intent of Wisconsin Aluminium Foundry is foremost to accelerate its internal capabilities alongside the other foundry facilities that are currently operating in North America. This shall further generate job opportunities and make further investments in advanced technologies and equipment to make the process of each foundry streamlined. With over 40 years in the world of foundry, Anderson Global have successfully accumulated more than 50 journeymen machinists, superlative engineering talent and advanced machinery that help in producing...
After an initial aggressive uptick at the beginning of March, the premium for Japanese aluminium’s outbound trade during the second Quarter of 2025 (April to June) has reportedly crashed to USD 182 per tonne, which is clearly a 20 per cent decrease from the past quarter (Q1’25), reveals six sources involved in the pricing discussions. The downturn in premiums is the first quarterly drop in the recent five quarters, USD 46 down from January to March, with a premium of USD 228 per tonne. Aluminium has turned out to clasp a premium below initial offers from global production houses, which ranged from USD 245 per tonne to USD 260 per tonne, now raising the question of why such a premium fell. On March 27, Platts evaluated the CIF main Asian ports (MAP) spot P1020 aluminium premium at USD 173...
India's engineering goods exports experienced a decline in value during February 2025, marking the first monthly fall since April 2024, affected by slower exports of aluminium, steel, copper, and iron. According to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), India's export value stood at $9.4 billion in the specific month, compared to $9.08 billion a year ago. That reflected an 8.62 per cent decline, bringing the past nine-month growth streak to an end. However, despite the monthly fall in February, cumulative export value for the past ten months continued to show growth, with a moderate year-on-year increase of 7.98 per cent. Interestingly, the export value for the period from April to February FY2025 reached an all-time high, amounting to $105.85 billion versus $98.03 billion...
Ball Corporation and LOA Brewery have reached a groundbreaking milestone in Chile with the launch of the country's first beer cans to receive Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification. Featured on Ball's cans for Otra Ronda Amber Ale and Minga Loca West Coast IPA, the ASI seal ensures that the aluminium meets the highest environmental and social standards, reinforcing sustainability across the entire value chain. Image Source: Ball Corporation This achievement underscores Ball's commitment to providing its customers with sustainable packaging solutions, advancing the circular economy, and promoting environmental responsibility in the beverage industry. Ball is committed to sustainability and is proud to be the first can manufacturer to achieve ASI certification for all its...
Futures market: During the night session, the most-traded alumina 2505 contract opened at RMB 2,937 per tonne, with a high of RMB 2,957 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,921 per tonne, and closed at RMB 2,950 per tonne, up RMB 14 per tonne, or 0.47 per cent, with an open interest of 201,000 lots. Ore side: As of March 31, the SMM imported bauxite index stood at USD 93.1 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average was USD 91 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia low-temperature bauxite CIF average was USD 87 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia high-temperature bauxite CIF average was USD 81 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. Industry news: According to SMM, starting from April 1, a large...
Aluminium businesses, brace yourselves as your base metal commodities are getting pricier, and it’s not just a minor blip. The latest round of US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports is sending shockwaves through industries that rely on these materials. From roofing to manufacturing, businesses, as well as homeowners, are starting to feel the pinch. And, with no exemptions in sight, the future looks even tougher for those loyal to aluminium. Image Source: https://www.rcmindustries.com/ A roof too far? Here’s why homeowners are ditching metal roofing Metal roofing has always been a premium choice, known for its durability and sleek aesthetics. But now, thanks to the US government’s 25 per cent tariff on imported steel and aluminium, the cost is becoming prohibitively high. The numbers...
DI Dongil has expanded its business scope to include manufacturing, processing, and selling aluminium products, laying the groundwork for an absorption merger with its subsidiary, Dongil Aluminum. This merger, sought by minority shareholders, aligns with DI's strategic direction in the aluminium sector. Image Source: DI Dongil website At DI's regular general meeting of shareholders, held on the 28th at the Textile Centre Building in Gangnam, Seoul, the proposal to amend the articles of incorporation to reflect this expansion received strong backing, securing 80.25 per cent approval from shareholders. DI primarily manufactures textile materials, while its subsidiary, Dongil Aluminum, along with DI System, manages the aluminium business. The recent expansion of DI's business scope to...
Odisha stands as a testament to resilience and progress. Boasting rich mineral reserves, the state has emerged as a major manufacturing hub in India, supported by a dynamic industrial ecosystem. At the heart of this growth lies Odisha's thriving metals and mining sector, playing a pivotal role in the state's ascent. Regarding the metals and mining sector, Vedanta's unwavering confidence in Odisha's vast potential is reflected in its significant presence and status as the state's largest investor, with a cumulative investment of INR 1,00,000 crores ((US$11.55 billion) — the company's largest global investment. Vedanta Aluminium CEO Shri Gupta added, "Our latest investment of INR 1 lakh crore is a testament to our enduring belief in the state's potential to lead India's industrial...
Are you one of those who wish to literally carry their home with them when they travel? Alumivan, an Arizona-based campervan builder, has recently launched its latest camper Van, the Reverie 136" and the Reverie 159", with a luxurious interior and design with all the credit to aluminium. Image source: Alumivan We are well aware that the majority of the campervans are made of wood, but this company has completely changed our outlook by using aluminium as the key component in the construction process. Moreover, the company believes in maintaining a rock-solid body with high excellence in look, which is significantly possible with the effective use of aluminium. Why so? Aluminium helps in maintaining that sturdy strength and look of the campervan. Moreover, for having a luxury home on...
ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, has announced the construction of its much-awaited 45-metre Granturismo series. This will be the third unit of the flawless series where the hull and superstructure were recently joined at the shipyard's Ancona facility. Sold to a European buyer in 2024, the all-aluminium yacht is set for delivery in 2026. Its exterior and interior design are the work of Team For Design - Enrico Gobbi, while the in-house team handled the naval architecture. Initially resembling its sisterships, including I AM (formerly UV II) — a finalist at the 2024 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards — the yacht has undergone substantial customisation to meet the owner's specific preferences. The yacht's stern has been redesigned to feature "three levels of...
On March 30, 2025, a UK recycling facility adopted Redwave XRF sorting machines to improve aluminium separation. With this initiative, the business aims to improve the efficiency and purity of recycled aluminium, reducing waste and contamination. Source: Redwave The upgrade enables efficient processing of zorba, WEEE, used beverage cans, incinerator bottom ash and mixed metal fractions. Redwave XRF sorting machines use X-ray fluorescence to identify and separate metals based on their elemental composition. Previously, aluminium separation relied on identifying accompanying elements like copper or zinc, making alloy sorting difficult. The new system accurately distinguishes aluminium alloys, ensuring better material classification and purity. The technology allows precise sorting of...
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Greek company Katheris S.A. has announced on Instagram the installation of Greece’s first solar panel recycling machine unit in Heraklion, Crete. This initiative aims to tackle the growing challenge of photovoltaic (PV) waste, which consists of discarded solar panels that contain metals like glass, aluminium, and other components. As per the reports, the recycling unit systematically processes the panels, shreds them carefully, and separates materials such as glass, aluminium, and other components. Reports by Balkan Green Energy News states that PV waste is projected to account for 4 per cent to 14 per cent of the total electricity production capacity by 2030, with volumes potentially reaching 60 to 80 million tonnes by 2050. “Our aim is to initiate the public into the mentality of...
Futures market: In the night session, the most-traded alumina 2505 contract opened at RMB 3,035 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,037 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,992 per tonne, and closed at RMB 2,997 per tonne, down RMB 38 per tonne, a decrease of 1.25 per cent, with an open interest of 205,000 lots. Image for referential purposes only Ore side: As of March 28, the SMM imported bauxite index stood at USD 93.1 per tonne, down USD 0.06 per tonne from the previous trading day, mainly due to the decline in caustic soda prices in Shandong. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was USD 91 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was USD 87 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australia high-temperature bauxite...
