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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Sohar Aluminium and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Sohar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the equipping of the university's Advanced Technology Laboratory. The signing ceremony took place under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Said bin Hamad Al Rubaie, President of UTAS. Under the agreement, Sohar Aluminium will finance the procurement of technical equipment and devices to enhance the Advanced Technology Laboratory at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar. The lab will have a smart interactive whiteboard, fully integrated computers featuring the latest systems, and additional laboratory equipment and facilities. The Advanced Technology Lab is dedicated to fostering innovation and research in key areas, including...
Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, recycled approximately 16 billion litres of water across its operations in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. For context, this quantity is roughly equivalent to 6,400 Olympic-size swimming pools. With a water recycling rate of 15 per cent, the company continues to make remarkable progress in conserving water at its operations. Over the past year, through various initiatives, Vedanta has renovated 81 community ponds to increase storage capacity and plans to construct at least 20 additional farm ponds, contributing an extra 10,000 cubic meters to local water storage. In line with this year's theme of 'Glacier Preservation', Vedanta remains deeply committed to the sustainable management of freshwater...
Chem-Trend, a mold release products company, has introduced Chem-Trend SL-10187 to meet the rigorous demands of high-pressure aluminium casting. Designed to enhance performance and operational efficiency, the release agent offers improved biostability, delivering a superior finish and greater uniformity in aluminium injection molded parts. The product also facilitates faster and more efficient heat exchange during casting. Its exceptional levelling and spreading properties ensure consistent metal flow and optimised application of the release agent. According to Chem-Trend, these benefits contribute to shorter cycle times, increased productivity, and more efficient dilution of the release agent. Additionally, enhanced weld protection boosts part quality while reducing downtime required for...
FUCHS Lubricants Co., one of the world's largest independent lubricant manufacturers, announced the appointment of Megan O'Meara as the new President of FUCHS North America, effective February 10, 2025. In this pivotal role, O'Meara will lead North American operations and oversee core functions, including sales, marketing, technical, product management, IT, and digital transformation. As a supplier of innovative lubrication solutions covering almost every industry and application, including aluminium, FUCHS has developed a special range of products for cleaning and protecting aluminium that meet all requirements. These products are designed and formulated for parts from both machining and stamping processes. Bringing over 20 years of leadership experience, O'Meara is renowned for her...
India has taken a step ahead to negotiate terms with the United States this week as the date for reciprocal tariff implementation, as announced by the US federal government, is approaching soon. To make things official of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the teams from both nations are going to make BTA the key focus of a scheduled meeting within the next couple of days. With such an agenda, a team of United States (US) officials, headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, are coming to New Delhi to have talks with their counterparts in India. Image Source: https://www.asiainglobalaffairs.in/ Both parties seek to furnish the first phase of a mutually worthwhile arrangement by fall 2025. The meetings are organised a week ahead of the United States reciprocal...
Ball Corporation, a global leader in sustainable aluminium packaging solutions, has recently announced the formation of a strategic joint venture aimed at advancing the growth of the aluminium cup category. Image source: Ball Corporation The joint venture, named Oasis Venture Holdings, LLC, is a collaboration with Ayna.AI (Ayna), with Ball Corporation holding a 49 per cent stake and Ayna owning 51 per cent. This venture will oversee the Ball Aluminum Cup ® business, including its commercial operations, supply chain, manufacturing teams, and production facility in Rome, the largest city in Georgia, which will serve as the new headquarter for the venture. The aim of this partnership is to broaden the customer base for the Aluminum Cup ® while delivering exceptional customer service and...
Lion’s Stone & Wood has teamed up with supply chain partners to launch Re-In-Can-Ation, a pioneering packaging initiative aimed at increasing the use of recycled aluminium in its beverage cans. Currently in its pilot phase, the collaboration includes Visy, Novelis, and Rio Tinto. The new, more sustainable can design is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 59 per cent compared to Stone & Wood's current cans. During the 18-month trial, 15 million more sustainable cans will be introduced to the market. This initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by 1,235 tonnes compared to Stone & Wood's current cans. "Low-carbon aluminium is a key solution for industries striving to decarbonise, and we are pleased to provide Australian aluminium from our Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania, which is...
According to customs data, China's total aluminium wire and cable exports in January-February 2025 reached 38,900 tonnes, up 3.6 per cent Y-o-Y, achieving a steady start during the traditional domestic delivery off-season. On a monthly basis, January exports were 23,500 tonnes, down 11.7 per cent M-o-M but still up 4.5 per cent Y-o-Y. Image source: Shutterstock February, affected by the Chinese New Year, saw a further pullback to 15,300 tonnes, down 34.9 per cent M-o-M, yet maintained a positive growth of 2.2 per cent Y-o-Y. The data indicates that domestic companies effectively offset the impact of weaker domestic demand in the off-season by shifting their capacity focus to the export market. (The above data is based on codes 76141000 and 76149000). In terms of product structure,...
Mr. Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, the newly appointed Acting CEO of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), has hit the ground running in his efforts to advance the nation's integrated aluminium industry. Within less than three weeks of assuming his role, he has outlined a clear vision to contribute over $2 billion to Ghana's economy . In a call to potential investors, Mr. Ankrah announced that GIADEC is now open to forming partnerships with those who share the goal of establishing a robust integrated aluminium sector in Ghana. He emphasised that investors must also demonstrate both financial capability and industry expertise as key criteria for collaboration. Image source: LinkedIn (GIADEC) Mr. Ankrah has already determined that GIADEC will require over USD 6 billion...
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a bold commitment to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade, following high-level talks between top UAE officials and President Donald Trump earlier this week, according to a statement from the White House on March 21, 2025. Image credit: Arabprogress.org Described as a strategic investment framework, the initiative aims to significantly expand the UAE’s already substantial economic footprint in the US, with targeted investments across key sectors such as artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing. While the announcement underscores the strengthening economic ties between the two nations, the White House did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the total $1.4 trillion figure would be...
Primary aluminium imports: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, domestic primary aluminium imports in January 2025 were approximately 161,000 tonnes, almost flat M-o-M and down 34.8 per cent Y-o-Y; in February, imports were about 200,000 tonnes, up 24.0 per cent M-o-M and down 10.7 per cent Y-o-Y. The total cumulative imports for January-February 2025 were around 362,000 tonnes, down 23.4 per cent Y-o-Y. Primary aluminium exports: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, domestic primary aluminium exports in January 2025 were approximately 8,000 tonnes, down 33.4 per cent M-o-M and up 814.8 per cent Y-o-Y; in February, exports were about 3,000 tonnes, down 59 per cent MoM and up YoY. The total cumulative exports for January-February 2025 were...
Germany's aluminium sector is raising serious concerns about the far-reaching implications of the recently imposed US tariffs on aluminium. While hefty duties have been slapped on primary aluminium and aluminium-intensive products, scrap aluminium remains exempt, a move that industry leaders warn will undermine the European market. Image credit: Global Trade Metal Portal American buyers, capitalising on the tariff loophole, are aggressively snapping up aluminium scrap at premium prices. This surge in demand is fuelling sharp price hikes and triggering mounting shortages across Germany and Europe. Industry experts caution that the unchecked export of scrap metal risks destabilising local supply chains, leaving domestic manufacturers vulnerable to raw material scarcity and sparking fears of...
Founded in 2013, Infinix, a cutting-edge technology brand designed to meet the needs and demands of youth, has officially launched its much-anticipated NOTE 50 Series, marking a bold entry into the Generation Beta era. The smartphone is crafted from ArmorAlloy™ — a fusion of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminium. Featuring HyperCasting technology The frame features a polished finish for a sleek appearance, while its ergonomically rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip. Setting a new industry standard as the first true-metal frame smartphone under $500, redefining expectations for durability, lightweight design, signal reception, and premium aesthetics. Incorporating advanced engineering, the series uses HyperCasting technology, a one-piece die-casting process inspired by...
Hydro, a leading aluminium and renewable energy company, is making a major investment in a new wire rod cast house at its aluminium smelter in Karmøy, Norway. Set to begin production in 2028, the facility will supply aluminium critical for Europe’s energy infrastructure. “This investment will expand the capacity of wire rod to supply our customers with low-carbon solutions needed to develop and expand Europe’s most critical infrastructure. This demonstrates that a productive aluminium industry has good growth opportunities in Norway,” says Eivind Kallevik, President and CEO of Hydro. With an annual capacity of 110,000 tonnes, the cast house marks Hydro’s largest investment in Norway in a decade. It will produce aluminium wire for power cables, a vital component of Europe’s energy...
Century Aluminium (NASDAQ: CENX), a major producer of bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium, has announced the appointment of Peter A. Trpkovski as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Jerry Bialek, who departs following the planned transition. Image source: https://www.tristatehomepage.com/ The commission arrives as the organisation displays powerful acceleration. InvestingPro data indicates an impressive 59 per cent stock return over the past year and a 41 per cent boost in the last six months. Trpkovski, who has been with Century for 12 years, will now be responsible for driving the company’s strategic initiatives and strengthening its financial operations while continuing in his role as Treasurer. “Pete’s appointment ensures continuity and steady...
Reinforcing their commitment to being the leading provider of sustainable carbon and graphite solutions, Summit CRM and Carbonvix have joined forces to develop sales of ramming pastes and sidewalls (non-graphitised grade) to aluminium smelters worldwide. The combination of Summit CRM’s expertise and Carbonvix’s asset quality and technical know-how can make it possible to create a new and additional ramming paste and sidewall platform to continue developing a long-term relationship with our customers. Summit CRM and Carbonvix have decided to develop this new partnership to become the leading provider of sustainable global solutions. By offering the complete package of graphitised cathode blocks, ramming paste, and sidewalls, Summit CRM and Carbonvix will meet the evolving commercial and...
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in January 2025, China's bauxite imports reached 16.21 million metric tonnes, marking an 8.23 per cent increase month-on-month and a 23.31 per cent rise year-on-year. In February, bauxite imports were reported at 14.41 million tonnes, down 11.06 per cent M-o-M but up 28.25 per cent Y-o-Y. For the first two months of 2025, the cumulative bauxite imports amounted to 30.62 million tonnes, representing a 25.6 per cent Y-o-Y increase. Major bauxite import sources: Guinea: January 2025: Imports from Guinea stood at 12.661 million tonnes, up 21.9 per cent M-o-M and 37.18 per cent Y-o-Y. February 2025: Imports fell to 10.729 million tonnes, down 15.26 per cent M-o-M but up 21.17 per cent Y-o-Y. This significant YoY increase in bauxite...
Binzhou Beihai Regal Advanced Material Co., Ltd. has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its facility in Binzhou, Shandong, China. The Certification covers the production of high strength aluminium alloys, rare earth aluminium alloys, high thermal conductivity aluminium alloys, high-temperature resistant aluminium alloys, and other new aluminium alloy materials. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Binzhou Beihai Regal Advanced Material Co., Ltd. has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The entity specialises in the research, development, production, and sales of new aluminium alloy processing technologies. It operates a casting facility with a current annual production of 88,000 tonnes. The site includes melting...
