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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FIFCO USA, the parent company of Genesee Brewery, marked the grand opening of its new $28 million can line with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This cutting-edge addition enhances production capacity and streamlines packaging for top brands such as Genesee, Labatt USA, Seagram's Escapes, and Lipton Hard Iced Tea. Image Source: Greater Rochester Chamber / X Spanning 78,000 square feet on Genesee Brewery's expansive 27-acre campus, the new can line has become a focal point of productivity. Engineered for maximum efficiency, it operates at an impressive rate of 1,500 12 oz. cans per minute, elevating production capacity to over 15 million cases annually. The versatile system also accommodates a range of packaging sizes, including 7.5 oz. cans, 12 oz. slim cans, and 16 oz. cans. "We are thrilled...
Austin AI Europe proudly represents Austin AI Inc., a pioneering innovator and manufacturer of sensor-based automated sorting systems since 2001. As the sole company holding intellectual property rights for the most advanced chemistry-based sensor sorting technologies—including LIBS, XRF, and THz—Austin AI is at the forefront of revolutionising recycling processes. The cutting-edge sorting solutions empower waste management companies to enhance efficiency, conserve energy, and reduce their carbon footprint, making a tangible impact on sustainability . By providing innovative technologies that align with circular economy principles, the company actively contribute to global environmental protection. Europe’s strong regulatory framework for environmental sustainability has driven growing...
On Monday, the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur signed a landmark agreement with M/s Eyantram Waste Management Private Limited, Visakhapatnam. Under this collaboration, an e-waste recycling plant will be established through technology transfer which will specialise in processing waste printed circuit boards to recover valuable metals like aluminium (Al), copper (Cu) and gold (Au). Under this agreement, Eyantram Waste Management Private Limited will adopt the "Zero Waste" concept to reduce environmental pressure and enhance waste collection and disposal by bringing order to the unorganised sector. The eco-friendly technology will ensure proper waste management, contributing to a cleaner environment. Additionally, it will create job opportunities for unemployed...
In a move widely seen as a broader message to China rather than a direct trade dispute with Morocco, the European Commission has introduced substantial compensatory duties on Moroccan aluminium wheel exports. On March 14, the Commission issued Implementation Regulation No. 2025/500, imposing definitive countervailing duties on imports of certain aluminium road wheels originating in Morocco. Under the new ruling, Dika Morocco Africa faces a steep 31.45 per cent duty, while Hands8 is subject to a 5.60 per cent tariff. Industry experts interpret this decision as part of the EU’s larger strategy to address concerns over global trade imbalances and market distortions, particularly in sectors where Chinese influence looms large. The Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce responded,...
In a serendipitous turn of events, French scientists have uncovered what is believed to be the world’s largest deposit of natural, or ‘white’, hydrogen beneath the Lorraine region. This monumental discovery holds the potential to revolutionise the global energy landscape, positioning France at the vanguard of the burgeoning hydrogen economy. Image for referential purposes only The revelation emerged during research conducted by the GeoRessources laboratory and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). A massive reserve of natural hydrogen was found beneath Folschviller’s soil in the Moselle region. The finding is being praised as a game-changing juncture in the clean-energy resolution. As per a recently released report, researchers from the GeoRessources laboratory and...
A new standard in energy conservation has been unlocked! A Lithuanian start-up, Tukas EV, is setting a new standard in achieving higher sustainability in energy conservation by introducing its all-new HR Bank EV exercise bike. This innovation, made by using recycled aluminium, can convert kinetic energy into electricity. Image source: TukasEV With the generations to come and their demand for sustainable products, the start-up’s innovation, HR Bank EV exercise Bike, fits the clamour well. The start-up designed the HR Bank EV exercise bike with the aim of making use of the kinetic energy produced with frequent pedalling to generate electricity. Kinetic energy refers to the energy that an object has because of its speed and mass. In this case, kinetic energy produced due to pedalling is...
Arrow Minerals has announced a significant maiden mineral resource estimate for its Niagara bauxite project in Guinea, positioning it for a scoping study later this year. The resource totals 185 million tonnes with an average grade of 42.3 per cent aluminium oxide and 2.7 per cent silicon dioxide. Image Source: S Purohit (@subhapurohit) / X Within this, higher-grade zones include 138 million tonnes at 44 per cent aluminium oxide and 2.8 per cent silicon dioxide, with a premium subset of 48 million tonnes grading 48.2 per cent aluminium oxide and 2.6 per cent silicon dioxide. The Australian exploration and development company has conducted 173 drill holes across three target areas, covering 2,048 meters, revealing a bauxite zone with notably low silica content, a characteristic typical of...
SMM Alumina Morning Comment 3.25 Futures: The most-traded 2505 alumina contract opened at RMB 3,075 per tonne, reached a high of RMB 3,015 per tonne, a low of RMB 3,069 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,074 per tonne, up RMB 1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent. Open interest was 214,000 lots. Ore: As of March 24, the SMM imported bauxite index stood at USD 93.33 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was USD 91per tonne, unchanged; the SMM Australian low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was USD 87per tonne, unchanged; the SMM Australian high-temperature bauxite CIF average price was USD 81per tonne, unchanged. Spot Alumina: On Monday, an aluminium plant in Xinjiang tendered for some spot alumina, with transaction prices ranging from RMB...
Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings, backed by commodities giant Glencore, faced a muted debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reflecting broader concerns over declining alumina prices. Shares of the Southeast Asian alumina producer opened by climbing as much as 1.1 per cent in early trading but later retreated, slipping 1 per cent to HK$26.35 apiece by 10:27 a.m. local time. The company, a subsidiary of China’s Nanshan Group, intends to utilise the IPO proceeds for production expansion in Indonesia and general corporate purposes. Alumina prices soared to record highs in 2024, more than doubling amid supply chain disruptions from Jamaica to Guinea, Australia, and China. However, a surge in new production capacity has since triggered a sharp price correction, dampening investor...
Dicastal UACJ Bolv Automotive Components Co., Ltd has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for the manufacturing of automotive components their facility located in Hebei Province, China. The facility’s production processes include sawing, machining, heat treatment, welding and assembly. The Certification also covers associated administrative functions. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Dicastal UACJ Bolv Automotive Components Co., Ltd has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The entity specialises in the research, development, processing, manufacturing, and sales of aluminium automotive components, including battery boxes, anti-collision beams, energy absorption boxes, and thermal management systems. It has an annual...
Global brokerage UBS has placed a bullish bet on Shyam Metalics Limited, predicting a 35 per cent upside from its previous closing price. The firm has maintained a ‘buy’ rating on the stock, setting a target price of INR 1,175 (USD 13.73) per share, compared to its last close at INR 869.3 (USD 10.16). So, what’s driving this optimism? UBS highlights two key factors : One is the anti-dumping duty boost. Shyam Metalics stands to benefit significantly from the Indian government’s anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminium foil imports. As India’s second-largest aluminium foil manufacturer, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on this move. And the other is the increased production capacity. With additional aluminium foil capacity coming online, UBS expects Shyam Metalics to generate an...
Nottingham-based planning consultancy Nineteen47 has successfully guided UK-based aluminium trade extruder Garnalex in obtaining approval for a new 350,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Ashfield. With offices in Nottingham, Sheffield, and York, Nineteen47 played a key role in preparing a hybrid planning application, which involved coordinating a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and providing 3D visualisation services. Image Source: Company website The approved development covers 1,000,500 sq ft across a 23.75-hectare site. Phase one will see the construction of the new factory, while phase two will accommodate further Garnalex facilities. Upon completion of both phases, the project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs. Roger Hartshorn, founder of Garnalex, said,” We’re...
General Mamadi Doumbouya, leader of the Guinean junta, is set to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a major alumina refinery in collaboration with Chinese firm SPIC International Investment and Development (Guinea) Co., Ltd., as per local sources reported from ground zero. The foundation stone will be laid on March 26, 2025, in Boffa, specifically in the Koundindhé district, Tougnifilidy sector, within the Douprou sub-prefecture. The project site is currently in its preparatory phase. Initially slated for March 22, the ceremony has been rescheduled to March 26 due to organisational adjustments. The ambitious refinery project stems from an agreement signed in December 2023 between Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Geology, Bouna Sylla, and SPIC. Once completed, the facility will...
On February 26, 2025, 400 business leaders gathered in Antwerp to discuss with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, about the Clean Industrial Deal. Following this meeting, the European industry is calling for urgent action from European leaders ahead of the European Council in March. Europe’s industries are facing historical challenges: declining demand, stalled investments, reduced capacity, and EU gas prices at 4-5 times higher than those of its competitors. Between 2023 and 2024, Europe’s manufacturing output - a sector employing over 31 million people - dropped another 2.6 per cent. While for the chemicals industry - the industry of industries - Cefic’s recent study emphasised the severity, with over 11 million tons of capacity announced to be closed between...
Delivery of the first four Type D all-electric, zero-emission, purpose-built BEAST school buses has been successfully conducted by GreenPower Motor Company Inc. to its West Virginia dealer. This has been done under Round 2 funding of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) for the Kanawha Country School District. Image source: GreenPower Motor Company Nano BLAST buses are developed with a standard 118kWh battery pack ranging up to 140 miles. It has the capacity to hold 24 passengers featuring a seamless aluminium body made of extruded aluminium ensuring corrosion resistance, all thanks to Constellium. The fully flat floor design enables adjustable track seating without wheel wells in the passenger area, while the elevated floor keeps students out of the...
The Aluminium Industry Conference & Expo (AICE) 2025 returns as Asia’s premier platform for aluminium industry innovation, strategic collaboration, and global business expansion. Co-located with CLNB 2025 (China International New Energy Industry Expo), this year’s event amplifies opportunities across the aluminium and renewable energy sectors, offering unmatched value for exhibitors and visitors alike. Strategic synergy: one ticket, dual access to growth AICE 2025 breaks new ground by partnering with CLNB 2025, China’s largest new energy industry expo. Attendees gain single-ticket access to both events, bridging the aluminium and renewable energy industries. With 40,000+ global professionals expected, this synergy unlocks unprecedented cross-sector networking, knowledge sharing, and...
Aluminium might hold the atomic number 13, but with a lot of supportive data in my pocket, I can confidently say that in the world of tech and innovation, it’s a certified lucky charm. As the past decade as well as the century has witnessed, this lightweight powerhouse has been the cornerstone in societal development — from the construction to the transport segment and beyond, making breakthroughs that are sleek, sustainable, and downright futuristic. As we progress on the path of 2025, the base metal has already made its way into sculpting jaw-dropping architecture for high-speed transport and next-gen electronics. Aluminium is at the heart of the revolution, and here’s a selective array of innovations and progression updates that I would like to share with the world that took place in...
In the first two months of 2025, the world's primary aluminium production represented a year-on-year increase of 0.85 per cent, amounting to 11.88 million tonnes, which was significantly offset by declines M-o-M, according to the International Aluminium Institute's data. Following January when the world output was 6.235 million tonnes, slightly down by 0.30 per cent from 6.254 million tonnes, the production in February reached 5.645 million tonnes, further down by 9.46 per cent M-o-M. Fewer operation days likely contributed to the decline, even though daily production slightly increased from 201,100 tonnes in January to 201,600 tonnes. Alongside, reduced output in some of the primary aluminium-producing regions played a critical role in the overall drop for February. Even on a...
