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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Toyota is set to enhance its commitment to sustainability by launching a Circular Factory at its Toyota Motor Europe (TME) manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire. Scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of this year, the facility will serve as a pioneering hub for maximising the recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing of end-of-life vehicles. The initiative, which will run alongside Burnaston’s primary production of Toyota Corolla vehicles, is poised to become a benchmark for future recycling operations across Europe and beyond. The Toyota Circular Factory aims to significantly reduce environmental impact by integrating innovative recycling processes while setting new standards for sustainable automotive manufacturing worldwide. Toyota’s Circular Factory initiative...
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been celebrated in numerous ways as the 2024 World Series champions, including a series of special product collaborations. One of the latest comes from Budweiser, the official beverage of Major League Baseball, which has launched limited-edition cans as part of its MLB program. In honour of their World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers have also received a special commemorative aluminium bottle celebrating their eighth franchise title. The Dodgers' Budweiser bottle features a bold red design, proudly displaying the 2024 World Series Champions logo. Fans can find this exclusive bottle at retailers where Budweiser is sold. Each limited-edition MLB can showcases the team's logo and wordmark, complemented by a baseball bat graphic and inscription. Featuring...
Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids made an announcement of a strategic acquisition on March 25, 2025. The company has entered into a purchase agreement for acquiring a leading supplier of plating solutions and surface treatment, Dipsol Chemicals Co., Ltd. Subject to post-closing adjustments, the purchasing agreement is closed for JPY 23 billion (USD 153 million). Image source: Adobe Stock Dipsol, with its headquarters in Japan, established in 1953 and with over 450 employees globally, holds a strong position for plating chemicals in the Japanese market. The company also has a global presence in Research & Development (R&D) facilities and production which is extended to countries including Asia, Europe and North America. Globally, the company earned a total...
Alumawood Products, a leading provider of premium aluminium patio cover parts and DIY kits, is excited to introduce its new 3D Patio Cover Designer — an advanced online tool that empowers customers to design and visualise their ideal patio cover in real time. With this innovative solution, users can customise their patio cover and receive an instant quote, making the design process faster and more convenient — all from the comfort of their own home. Designing a custom patio cover meant uploading measurements, photos, and sketches — a time-consuming process often requiring multiple exchanges and manual adjustments. With over 20 years of expertise in aluminium patio covers, Alumawood Products has simplified this experience with its new 3D Patio Cover Designer. This innovative tool automates...
Global aluminium consumption is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.33 per cent, increasing from 101 million tonnes in 2024 to 119 million tonnes by 2030. This expansion will be largely fuelled by rising demand across the transportation, electrical, and consumer durables sectors. Post-COVID, aluminium demand has surged, driven by its growing adoption across key sectors such as packaging and automotive. In packaging, aluminium’s exceptional properties—particularly its ability to extend shelf life—have made it the material of choice for manufacturers. Meanwhile, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further accelerated aluminium consumption in the automotive industry. The shift from stainless steel to aluminium is a game-changer, as its superior...
According to the US Geological Survey, the United States experienced a 6.31 per cent decline in crude and dried bauxite imports in 2024, despite a 31.58 per cent year-on-year increase in the fourth quarter. Year-on-year decreases in the second and third quarters primarily drove the annual drop. Total imports for the year amounted to 2.08 million tonnes, down from 2.22 million tonnes in 2023. While fourth-quarter imports rose from 380,000 to 500,000 tonnes, the increase was insufficient to offset the yearly decline. Additionally, imports in the fourth quarter saw a quarter-on-quarter drop of 53,000 tonnes, or 9.58 per cent, further contributing to the overall decrease in import volumes. After a year-on-year increase in the first quarter, with imports rising from 462,000 tonnes to 501,000...
China has unveiled an ambitious agenda to extend its carbon trading system to encompass the steel, cement, and aluminium smelting sectors. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has announced that this expansion will incorporate an additional 1,500 enterprises, enabling them to procure credits to offset their CO₂-equivalent emissions. Image for referential purposes only This extension will elevate the total volume of carbon dioxide regulated under the trading system to 8 billion tonnes—encompassing over 60 per cent of China’s total emissions. Ministry spokesperson Pei Xiaofei revealed these developments during a briefing on Wednesday. As one of the world’s foremost exporters of goods subject to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), China is projected to export approximately...
For any avid EREV car fan, a thrilling ride awaits in 2026. Karma Automotive announces and unveils the first look of their first ever all-aluminium spaceframe 2-door coupe Amaris EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain with ravishing design on March 20, 2025. Emergence into the EREV, the car company aims to deliver freedom to car enthusiasts from refuelling from using electricity or gasoline. Image source: Karma Automobiles Amaris, the next-generation EREV, after a nuanced preview and discussion with the company’s production-intent exterior, anticipates starting with production in the 2026 Q4. The EREV shall be built using an all-aluminium spaceframe originating from one of the previously launched cars, Revero, ensuring prompt development in the production timelines of the...
SHFE aluminium opened higher this morning but then fluctuated and dropped back slightly. The spot market was stimulated by continued destocking, coupled with insufficient arrivals, leading suppliers to stand firm on quotes and narrowing spot discounts. Downstream purchasing was generally as needed, with some manufacturers in east China stockpiling more. Specifically, traders in east China stood firm on quotes, with the market offering SMM A00 at RMB +10 per tonne, and some at RMB +20 per tonne. Today, SMM A00 was at a discount of RMB 10 per tonne against the SHFE aluminium 2504 contract, with SMM A00 aluminium ingot prices recorded at RMB 20,670 per tonne, up RMB 10 per tonne from the previous trading day. In central China, the market turned quiet due to a rebound in futures, with...
deltaH Innovations, a London-based startup has come up with a super innovative solution that can render traditional drink refrigerators obsolete. The company has developed the world’s first self-cooling aluminium beverage can - the ‘Cool Can.’ Image Source: Delta H Innovations This innovative invention uses a smart blend of design and chemistry to deliver a refreshing chill at the press of a button. According to the company, the Cool Can can cool its liquid contents to approximately 6-7 degrees Celsius (42.8-44.6 Fahrenheit) and maintain that temperature for up to 45 minutes. At first glance, the Cool Can resembles a regular aluminium beverage can, except for the prominent "power" button at its base. This button triggers a clever cooling mechanism. The base conceals a small water...
Lizhong Group has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for the design and manufacture of aluminium alloys, aluminium master alloys and silicon-aluminium dispersion composite materials at their Hebei New Lizhong Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd facility in Hebei Province, China. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Hebei New Lizhong Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd. has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The facility produces high-strength aluminium alloys with an annual production capacity of 160,000 tonnes, of which 80% is used to produce automobile wheels and parts, and 20% is used for products applied to high-speed rail, electrical appliances, consumer electronics, communication electronics, high-end equipment, ships...
India's imported aluminium scrap prices dropped by up to USD 75/tonne w-o-w following a decline in LME prices. However, buyers awaited further price corrections. BigMint's benchmark assessment for Tense scrap originating in the US was at USD 1,945/tonne (t), decreasing by USD 15/tonne w-o-w, while Wheels from the UK stood at USD 2,455/tonne, down by 3 per cent w-o-w, both CFR west coast, India. This week, aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) decreased by 2 per cent to USD 2,616/tonne from last week's USD 2,662/tonne. Meanwhile, stocks at LME-registered warehouses stood at 480,250 tonnes, down 3.5 per cent from 497,275 tonnes last week. Domestic scrap prices rise w-o-w In the domestic market, Tense scrap prices in both Delhi and Chennai inched up by INR 2,000/tonne as...
Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings Limited, partly owned by Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, has reportedly made it to the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Bearing the stock code 2610, the company has debuted with an initial public offering (IPO) of HKD 26.60 (RM 15.18), expecting to generate a net value of HKD 2.22 billion. This amount will be primarily used for building and expanding the second 1 million tonnes alumina production facility in Bintan, Indonesia, including constructing ancillary equipment at a deep-water port, expanding capacity in the coal gasification plant, and acquiring machinery and equipment. In July 2024, Press Metal acquired a 25.59% stake in Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings through a share swap in...
Century Aluminum, a global primary aluminium producer with operations in the United States and Iceland, has upgraded its aluminium casting equipment at its smelting plant in South Carolina. The plant boasts casting equipment capable of processing approximately 230,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, delivering standard-grade ingot, extrusion billet, and other products. Image Source: Century Aluminum However, as per reports, the two cooling tunnels were experiencing increased downtime due to outdated controls that had reached their functional limits. As a result, to tackle this challenge Sam Wilson, casthosue technician at Century Aluminum reached out to Miguel Ortiz, product manager at Electrical Equipment Company, a local Siemens distributor and technology solutions provider. Ortiz and his...
The European aluminium foil industry has staged an impressive recovery in 2024 after a tumultuous 2023, marked by weak demand and soaring inflation. According to the latest data from the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), total deliveries surged to 892,500 tonnes, a robust 7.3 per cent increase from the previous year’s 831,700 tonnes. While the industry is far from the pre-pandemic heights, signs of resilience and stabilisation are evident, driven primarily by a resurgence in packaging demand. Key factors for growth in 2024 The key driver of this resurgence has been a marked uptick in demand from the packaging sector, which helped balance the industry’s recovery. Deliveries within Europe rose by 7.8 per cent, while exports outside the EAFA region recorded a modest increase of 3.5...
The Middle East is now a name that we closely associate with low-carbon aluminium production, cutting-edge smelting technology, digital innovations, and sustainability initiatives. The region has evolved from an oil-dependent economy to a burgeoning hub for aluminium manufacturing, supported by abundant energy resources and sustainable production practices. While leading companies like Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), and Ma’aden Aluminium are steering the growth, numerous organisations from outside the region are playing a key role in advancing the industry. Such is the company INNOVAL Technology, which is helping to propel the expansion of the aluminium sector in the Middle East through its essential services. From knowledge sharing to materials design &...
New data from Sweden’s Deposit Return System (DRS) operator, Pantamera (Returpack), shows that over 2.8 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans were returned in 2024 — a 6 per cent increase from the previous year. On average, each person in Sweden recycled 271 containers. Pantamera reports that the system prevented more than 180,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions in 2024. Image Source: Anders Ristenstrand / Pantamera (Returpack) According to the operator, Sweden’s deposit return rate reached 87.6 per cent last year, falling slightly short of the 90 per cent target. With a deposit increase introduced in January 2025, the goal is to boost recycling rates further and emphasize the importance of returning every bottle and can. The DRS is designed to ensure collected PET bottles and aluminium...
DISA, a Norican technology, has launched a new all-electric Automatic Mould Handling (AMH) system for its DISA MATCH moulding lines. The new AMH replaces hydraulic power with state-of-the-art electric servo drives. These give very precise and smooth control of mould transportation, acceleration, deceleration, and velocity. Using electric drives cuts overall operating costs and boosts sustainability due to simpler maintenance, lower power consumption and no hydraulic oil. “We’re introducing the latest technology to our new all-electric AMH for DISA MATCH,” says Kasper Paw Madsen, Vice President Portfolio Development at DISA. “Our new AMH features the latest electric servo drives that transport moulds gently yet very efficiently, and advance MATCH’s performance in multiple areas, from...
