China Rare Earth Group is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Shenghe Resources, a move that could bring the Chinese rare earth producer under tighter state control while giving Beijing influence over Shenghe’s overseas holdings, including a stake in US rare earths company MP Materials. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that discussions between the companies have been underway since earlier this year. One source said China Rare Earth Group is seeking a controlling stake, although neither source knew when the acquisition could be announced or completed. If the deal goes through, China Rare Earth Group would take control of Shenghe’s interests in foreign companies, including its 3 per cent stake in MP Materials. The US rare earths company counts the US Department of...
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...
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European Aluminium welcomes the European Commission’s EU Steel & Metals Action Plan as an important step toward addressing the critical challenges facing the aluminium industry. Aluminium is a strategic raw material essential for the green and digital transitions, defence, and other key sectors. However, with the new U.S. tariffs on aluminium in place, the urgency for action has only accelerated. Europe can no longer afford to delay taking the necessary steps to secure the survival of its aluminium industry. "We appreciate the renewed focus on our sector and it's clear that policymakers are beginning to recognise the severity of the challenges our industry faces," says Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium. "There are certainly promising elements in the Plan. But strategy...
EPIQ Machinery, a leader in integrated material handling solutions for the metals & mining, and pulp and paper industries, is proud to announce the strategic acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in FAFECO GROUP, one of India's most respected crane and overhead crane manufacturers. By this acquisition, EPIQ Machinery strengthened its human capital to reach a skilled workforce of over 900 employees, a third of whom are based in Canada. In addition, the company consolidates its global presence, particularly in India, where it has successfully expanded its operations over the past 12 years through EPIQ ADF in Pune. Founded in 1971, FAFECO GROUP has extensive expertise in custom-designed cranes with unit lifting capacities of up to 500 tonnes. The company operates three manufacturing facilities...
In recent developments at Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX), Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer Robert Hoffman executed a stock sale totalling USD 49,974. This transaction involved the sale of 2,500 shares at an average price of USD 19.99 per share. Image for referential purposes onlhy Mr Hoffman's tenure at Century Aluminum spans over two decades, having joined the company in October 2004. His career progression includes roles such as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (2015-2017), Chief Information Officer (appointed in June 2017), and Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and Chief Information Officer in 2021. In December 2024, following the departure of former Principal Accounting Officer Theresa Brainerd, Mr. Hoffman was...
The ongoing debate about the impact of the Trump administration's tariff increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on India's aluminium exports is generating considerable discussion. While various industry leaders offer different viewpoints, it is essential to understand India's current aluminium export relations with the United States. According to the data revealed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's aluminium exports to the US were valued at US$946 million during 2023-24, following USD 1,097 million worth of exports in 2022-23. Image source: Vedanta Official trade data suggests India's aluminium export value to the US exceeded USD 1 billion for two consecutive years. In 2021-22, the value reached USD 1.1 billion, marking a sharp rise of 117.5 per cent Y-o-Y, compared to...
The depletion of China's bauxite production quality and Indonesia's export ban to prioritise its domestic processing resulted in an increasing dependence on Guinea's supply. Source: Orbitshub The rally in demand for capesize bulk carriers is expected to persist for at least another six weeks, fuelled by a surge in Chinese orders for West African bauxite, according to Capt. Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping & Logistics and Rainmakers Management & Consulting DMCC Bauxite prices have climbed sharply—from around USD 73 per tonne in September 2024 to USD 120-USD 130 by January 2025—as a growing fleet of vessels queues at ports along the West African coastline, awaiting cargo destined for capesize carriers. The CEO of the Dubai-based shipping company stated, "When ocean freight was low over the...
Switzerland has taken a decisive step (it was really high time!) to safeguard its steel and aluminium industries from mounting electricity costs. The government has announced a subsidy programme wherein the Swiss authorities pledged CHF 37 million (USD 42 million) in financial aid to four key industrial players, including Swiss Steel and Stahl Gerlafingen. The measure, effective from January 2025, will run until the end of 2028, aiming to maintain domestic production and preserve jobs in these energy-intensive sectors. Image for representational purposes only Electricity prices have seen a cosmic soar in the past few years, resulting in immense financial strain on the nation’s steel and aluminium producers, which the recent government initiative is anticipated to cushion. The industry...
The Muskegon Museum of Art's (MMA) recent announcement of expansion has created a buzz in the aluminium industry besides the people with a keenness towards art. MMA will spend USD 15.4 million on the expansion, which is said to double the museum's current footprint from 31,800 SF to 57,570. As reported by the CEO of Lorin Industries, the company’s anodised aluminium will play a key role in the expansion. Image source: The Muskegon Museum of Art On March 18, Lorin announced proudly that its premium anodised aluminium had been chosen for the central role in constructing the new Muskegon Museum of Art. The collaboration between the two ventures uplifts the business’ commitment towards material innovation and excellence alongside the museum's vision to establish cutting-edge cultural...
China’s aluminium trade landscape saw stark contrasts in January 2025, as aluminium imports plummeted while bauxite imports soared. According to customs data, China’s imports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products fell by 24.3 per cent year-on-year to 290,000 tonnes. In comparison, bauxite imports surged by 23.3 per cent to 11.62 million tonnes. Here’s possibly why aluminium imports are falling The decline in aluminium imports can largely be attributed to the closure of the import arbitrage window. The price differential between domestic and international aluminium has remained unfavourable for imports, with London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices hovering above Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) rates. In 2024, China’s total aluminium imports reached 2.3 million tonnes, down 16...
The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has dismissed recent reports suggesting irregularities in its acquisition by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), describing them as misleading and inaccurate. Image credit: GBC In an official statement released on March 17, GBC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ethical business conduct, and regulatory compliance. The company sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the transaction and reassure stakeholders of its integrity. Providing historical context, GBC explained that in 2010, when global mining giant Rio Tinto divested its 80 per cent stake in the company, the Government of Ghana—then holding the remaining 20 per cent—chose not to exercise its option to purchase the majority shares. This decision opened the door for BOSAI Minerals...
India's imported aluminium scrap prices fluctuated by up to $15-20/t w-o-w amid raw material shortages and tight supply. Image credit: IndiaMart BigMint's benchmark assessment for Tense scrap originating in the US was at $1,960/tonne, increasing by $10/tonne w-o-w, while Wheels from the UK stood at $2,530/tonne, down $20/t w-o-w, both CFR west coast, India. This week, aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) decreased by 1.2 per cent to $2,662/tonne from last week's $2,695/tonne. Meanwhile, stocks at LME-registered warehouses stood at 497,275 tonnes, down 1 per cent from 502,150 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 1,000/tonne as compared to last week. According to BigMint's...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2505 contract opened at 20,715 per tonne, reached a high of RMB 20,720 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,630 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,650 per tonne, down RMB 65 per tonne or 0.31per cent. Yesterday, LME aluminum opened at USD 2,690 per tonne hit a high of USD 2,699 per tonne, a low of USD 2,650 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,651 per tonne, down USD 40 per tonne or 1.49 per cent. Macro Perspective: Overseas, (1) US trade policy - (i) US Treasury Secretary: Reciprocal tariff rates on April 2 will vary by country, with lower rates for some countries; (ii) US Commerce Secretary: Committed to adding export controls to trade agreements. (Bullish★) (2) Fitch: Downgraded the US 2025 economic growth forecast from 2.1 per cent to 1.7 per...
Kunshan Chaoqun Metal Products Co., Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with Provisional status for the production of aluminium alloy ingots and bars, with the processes of melting, refining, ingot die casting, casting bar casting, homogenisation and cutting, at their facility in Zhangpu Town, Kunshan City, China. The Provisional Certification is valid for the period of one year, during which the company can address the non-conformances assessed and subsequently seek full Certification. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Kunshan Chaoqun Metal Products Co., Ltd has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status. The facility specialises in producing aluminium alloy bars and ingots. With an annual production capacity...
New research from circular economy and materials management consultant RRS confirms that used beverage cans (UBCs) move from recycling bin to newly formed cans in less than 60 days on average in the United States. The study, released today on Global Recycling Day and commissioned by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), demonstrates the uniquely circular nature of aluminium beverage cans, which when recycled almost always become a new can. “Aluminium beverage cans exemplify a robust, domestic circular economy operating at scale,” said CMI President Robert Budway. “When aluminium beverage cans are recycled properly, they become a new can in less than two months on average. And nearly 97 per cent of recycled aluminium beverage cans in the United States go on to...
In a rapidly evolving global metals scene, the Indian aluminium sector has found itself at a critical juncture. The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has formally called on the government to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for aluminium-producing units operating under Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This intervention, as warned by the industry leaders, is essential to safeguard India’s export competitiveness and domestic manufacturing growth. Image for representational purposes only India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of aluminium, boasting an impressive annual production capacity of 4.1 million tonnes and witnessing investments exceeding USD 20 billion in domestic...
China is facing multiple duties on its aluminium exports from various countries. After facing a hefty tariff of 45 per cent from the United States, China is now targeted with a provisional anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 619 to USD 873 per tonne from India. The news came on Monday, March 17, when India's Ministry of Finance revealed the duties on Chinese aluminium foil imports. According to the gazette notification, the duty will apply to aluminium foils of up to 80 microns, excluding foils under 5.5 microns used for non-capacitor applications. India declared the duty after preliminary findings of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which indicated an injury to the domestic industry due to the excessive imports of Chinese aluminium foils. According to world trade data,...
On Monday, March 17, Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro held a groundbreaking ceremony for its cutting-edge recycling plant in Torija, Spain. The EUR 180 million project is a key part of Hydro's circular economy strategy, focused on using more post-consumer scrap. It also aligns with Hydro's goal of expanding its low-carbon aluminium offerings in Europe. Image source: Hydro Through this new plant, Hydro aims to maximise the recycling of aluminium scrap , keeping it within Europe rather than allowing it to be exported. Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President of Hydro Aluminium Metal, has rightly explained that aluminium scrap is energy in solid form. Therefore, it makes sense to utilise this resource domestically, particularly when European countries are...
JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing Co. Ltd (SZSE:000612) has experienced a 3.9 per cent decline in its stock price over the past week, raising concerns among its predominantly individual investors, who hold a concrete 52 per cent stake in the company. The company's ownership structure reveals that the top 25 investors collectively own 48 per cent of the shares, with the largest shareholder, Zhangshu Hetai Ancheng Investment Center (Limited Partnership), possessing a 14 per cent stake. Kaiman Aluminum (Sanmenxia) Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Jinjiang Group hold 12 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively. Despite the recent stock decline, JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing reported a remarkable 153 per cent increase in earnings per share (EPS) over the past year. However, its...
This month has been a peachy surprise for all The Kardashians fans. Kylie Jenner cranked up the excitement for her latest Sprinter flavour, "Peach Pack" and took things to the next level, literally heading to the Big Peach itself! The beauty personage-turned beverage queen surprised her fans at local liquor stores in Georgia, giving them a taste of the buzz for both the drink and the hype. Image source: Billboard Kylie Jenner wrapped up her "Peach Pack" launch in true star-studded style, making a final pit stop at Atlanta’s buzzing nightlife spot, Tongue & Groove because what’s an alcohol beverage soda launch without a little late-night glam? But she wasn’t done yet! She then made a surprise splash at Paloma Park in Athens, popping up alongside rising country star Ella Langley for an...
