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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A major metal manufacturer in Shropshire, UK, has expressed concerns that new US tariffs on aluminium and steel imports will create trade challenges. Bridgnorth Aluminium, the UK's only fully integrated aluminium coil rolling plant, employs 330 people in Shropshire and exports 20 per cent of its production to the US. The introduction of these tariffs adds uncertainty and could reduce the company's competitiveness compared to the existing quota and exemption system. Under the new policy, which took effect on March 12, 2025, US businesses importing steel and aluminium must now pay a 25 per cent tariff, following a directive from President Donald Trump. Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at Bridgnorth Aluminium, commented, “These tariffs add another dimension to the global uncertainty we are all...
The exports of aluminium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States surged in the first 11 days of March 2025, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Image credit: EGA; AL Arabiya This sharp increase comes as buyers rushed to secure shipments from their second-largest supplier ahead of the US tariffs that took effect. UAE aluminium exports to US (in tonnes) Data credit: Reuters So far, in March 2025, the UAE has exported 68,560.29 tonnes of aluminium to the US, a significant jump of +300 per cent growth compared to 16,124.88 tonnes for the entire month of March 2024. This volume marks the highest monthly export level in nearly two years. As the second-largest supplier of aluminium to the US, accounting for 8 per cent of total consumption, the UAE is...
Award-winning actress and entrepreneur Millie Bobby Brown is expanding the Florence By Mills Coffee lineup through a partnership with Collab Coffee, a leading coffee brand. The latest addition—ready-to-drink iced lattes—will be packed in recyclable aluminium cans and made with real milk. Image Source: Florence By Mills Coffee lineup Crafted for on-the-go enjoyment, these canned lattes blend popular flavours with a smooth, creamy finish, delivering a delicious coffee experience. Consumers can now find them on Walmart.com. All four flavours are available on Walmart.com in a six-pack, single-flavour format for $14.88. Individual cans of Original Chill, Vanilla Bliss, and Mocha Delight will soon be available at select Walmart stores. “Millie’s fans are year-round iced coffee enthusiasts, so...
On March 14, 2025, the Russian aluminium giant stated that it had agreed to acquire a 26 per cent stake in an Indian alumina refinery owner for $243.75 million, with the option to gradually increase its holding to 50 per cent, as reported by Reuters. Image credit: Gulf Times This strategic move aims to reduce Rusal's dependence on third-party raw materials. As one of the world's leading primary aluminium producers outside China and also the world's largest low-carbon aluminium producer, Rusal has not been directly subjected to Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. However, the company lost around 40 per cent of its alumina supply after Australia imposed an export ban on Russia, and it was forced to shut down its alumina refinery in Ukraine. RUSAL produces more than three million...
Iran's primary aluminium production has surpassed 552,000 tonnes in the first 11 months of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2024 – February 18, 2025), driven by substantial increases in bauxite and alumina output growth. Image credit: Tehran Times The country's four major primary aluminium producers—South Aluminum (SALCO), Iranian Aluminium Company (Iralco), Almahdi, and Iran Alumina—collectively produced 552,185 tonnes of aluminium ingots during the mentioned period, as reported by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO). In spite of this significant output, this reflects a slight decline of 5.16 per cent compared with the 582,200 tonnes produced in the same period in the previous fiscal year. IMIDRO is a major state-owned holding...
The global aluminium industry is currently grappling with significant challenges owing to the recently imposed tariffs on aluminium and steel by the United States. While the entire value chain is affected, it is the primary aluminium sector that is most shaken by the fluctuating nature of these tariffs. Donald Trump’s inconsistent approach to tariffs has left the industry puzzled. This week, his back-and-forth announcements—including a declaration to double tariffs on Canada, followed by a sudden reversal—have only added to the confusion. At the onset of the global tariffs on aluminium and steel, Donald Trump announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on Canadian aluminium imports, raising them from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, effective immediately. However, just hours later, the President...
Novelis has just pulled off something big! They have rolled out the world's first aluminium coil made entirely from 100 per cent recycled, end-of-life automotive scrap. This is one of the major breakthroughs for the European automotive market and a huge leap towards a more circular and sustainable future. Image source: Linkedin (Novelis) What makes this even more impressive? This pilot material isn’t just a green gimmick — it’s strong, sleek, and perfectly suited for car body outer skins, meeting the highest standards for surface quality and formability. In short, it’s proof that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Novelis has long been on a mission to boost the recycled content in its products, working hand in hand with automakers and industry partners. This latest...
Futures market: In the night session, the most-traded alumina 2505 contract opened at RMB 3,137 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,147 per tonne and a low of RMB 3,121 per tonne, finally closing at RMB 3,125 per tonne, down RMB 22 per tonne or 0.69 per cent. Open interest stood at 217,000 lots. Ore market: As of March 13, the SMM imported bauxite index was USD 93.39 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was USD 91 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australian low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was USD 87 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Australian high-temperature bauxite CIF average price was USD 81 per tonne, also flat from the previous trading day. Spot Alumina: On Thursday, 11,000 tonnes of...
On Wednesday, March 12, Donald Trump's global tariffs on aluminium and steel took effect. Nearly all the United States' trade allies have faced a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium exports, except China. It is the only country whose aluminium and steel products are subject to higher tariffs, with a total rate of 45 per cent. This comes as a result of a 20 per cent across-the-board duty imposed much before March 12, followed by the latest additional 25 per cent tariff. Image soure: Freepik What is China's reaction to it? The country has vowed to implement retaliatory measures in response to Donald Trump's latest 25 per cent tariff imposed on its aluminium and steel exports to the United States. During a press conference, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said, "China will...
War-ridden Ukraine and Russia have faced multi-disciplinary trade and economic losses for the past decade. The war, which escalated dramatically in 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has left both nations grappling with shattered economies. Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the European Union (EU), choking its trade routes and cutting off key industries from global markets. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s critical mineral deals have faced uncertainty, and its infrastructure, including key industrial zones — has suffered extensive damage, further crippling its economic output. Image for representational purposes only The conflict stems from Russia’s demand for a ban on Ukraine ever joining the NATO military alliance — a move Moscow views as a direct threat to its sphere of influence. Russian...
The flagship of the Oslo Sauna Association’s fleet of floating saunas features an innovative façade made of recycled aluminium from Hydro. It has now won recognition as one of the world’s top hotspots in TIME’s annual travel guide. Image source: Hydro ‘ Trosten ’ is the association’s largest and most ambitious sauna to date, launched in 2024 through a close collaboration with Spanish architects eStudio Herreros, and aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro. In the latest update of TIME’s annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, the eye catching and universally accessible sauna has been included as one of 100 establishments worldwide offering visitors an extraordinary experience unlike any other. “For 120 years, we have been working to bring life to local communities. We are proud...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2505 contract opened at RMB 20,945 per tonne, hitting a high of RMB 21,035 per tonne and a low of RMB 20,875 per tonne, before closing at RMB 21,020 per tonne, up RMB 35 per tonne or 0.17 per cent. On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,701 per tonne, reached a high of USD 2,707.5 per tonne and a low of USD 2,666.5 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,705 per tonne, up USD 5 per tonne or 0.19 per cent. Macro: (1) The central bank held an expanded meeting, emphasising the implementation of an appropriately loose monetary policy and the timing of RRR cuts and interest rate cuts based on domestic and overseas economic and financial conditions as well as financial market performance. (Bullish★) (2) The National Financial Regulatory...
The Middle East aluminium industry has witnessed unprecedented growth, transforming the region into a powerhouse of production, innovation, and sustainability. As the global landscape shifts towards decarbonisation, efficiency, and value-added manufacturing, industry leaders are seeking insights that drive strategic decisions. To capture these dynamics, AL Circle proudly presents its 30th e-Magazine, ‘ Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025’ , —a definitive resource for industry professionals navigating the evolving aluminium ecosystem. A deep dive into the region's aluminium industry The Middle East is not just a producer of primary aluminium; it is a key player in shaping the global supply chain, emphasising sustainability, downstream integration, and technological advancements. ‘ Aluminium...
Parallel Architectural Products, the Colorado-based designer and manufacturer of versatile aluminium systems, has unveiled its latest innovation: self-mating aluminium battens. Expanding on the company's popular two-part batten system, this new product line offers increased design flexibility and exceptional structural strength for even the most demanding environments. Image Source: Parallel Architectural Linkedln The self-mating battens in various sizes empower architects, designers, and contractors to explore new applications, from edge installations to flat-lay configurations. Unlike traditional two-part systems, these battens use identical pieces for installation, streamlining inventory management with a single SKU. Ideal for outdoor privacy screens, striking facades, or distinctive...
Aluminum Association President & CEO Charles Johnson issued the following statement in response to increased Section 232 tariffs of 25% for most aluminium imports: “The aluminium industry supports tariff-free access for Canadian aluminium in the tariffs implemented today. We appreciate President Trump’s focus and attention on growing and strengthening the U.S. aluminium industry, and there is a lot to like in today’s action. The domestic industry has invested more than $10 billion since 2016 mostly in mid-and-downstream production and recycling. This has been driven by growing demand, a competitive tax environment and strong, targeted trade enforcement the president supported in his first term. For this growth to continue, the US aluminium industry needs two things – long-term market...
UACJ Corporation has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for the manufacture of custom aluminium extruded shapes with precision fabrication and assembly for customer specific designs at UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, Inc. located in Guanajuato, Mexico. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that UACJ Corporation has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The facility serves the automotive industry, producing extruded aluminium components and assemblies. Its primary products include sunroof tracks, convertible top components, and various structural parts made from aluminium alloys. The site’s processes also include CNC machining, bending, welding, fabrication, assembly, and CMM analysis. In 2024, the facility shipped...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2505 contract opened at RMB 21,060 per tonne, hitting a high of RMB 21,100 per tonne and a low of RMB 20,945 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,970 per tonne, up RMB 5 per tonne or 0.02 per cent. On Wednesday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,704 per tonne, reached a high of USD 2,726 per tonne and a low of USD 2,692.5 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,700 per tonne, down USD 4 per tonne or 0.15 per cent. Macro: (1) The US February CPI rose 2.8 per cent Y-o-Y (forecast: 2.9 per cent, previous: 3 per cent) and increased 0.2 per cent M-o-M (forecast: 0.3 per cent, previous: 0.5 per cent). February CPI data fell short of expectations across the board, prompting traders to raise bets on US Fed interest rate cuts, with at least two cuts expected...
GJR Aluminium, based in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, has emerged as a key player in export negotiations, navigating complex global trade dynamics. Since early 2025, the company has been actively seeking partnerships with US firms, focusing on securing a substantial $5 million annual contract to supply aluminium components for air conditioners, heat exchangers, and transformers. Image Source: Ministry of SMEs and Startups Despite its efforts, the company — like many others — has faced significant challenges following the tariffs introduced by the US government during the Trump administration. U-Kerun, head of GJR Aluminium, emphasised the impact, stating, "We are having difficulties in export negotiations due to the Trump administration's tariff measures." This statement echoes a wider...
