North American aluminum demand returned to growth in the first half of 2026, but the recovery has exposed a widening gap between market consumption and domestic production. Rising imports of semi-fabricated aluminum products, particularly sheet, have supported regional demand as shipments from US and Canadian producers continue to weaken. According to preliminary industry estimates, aluminum demand across the United States and Canada increased 3.5% Year-on-Year through June 2026, reaching an estimated 13.57 billion pounds (6.16 million metric tonnes), compared with 13.12 billion pounds (5.95 million metric tonnes) during the corresponding period of 2025. The improvement marks a reversal from the previous year's contraction, although imports rather than stronger domestic mill shipments...
Russian aluminium producer Rusal has reached an agreement with Ghana's state-owned Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) to jointly develop bauxite mining and alumina refining projects, marking a significant step towards expanding the country's domestic aluminium value chain. Under the agreement, the projects will be implemented through two joint ventures in which Rusal will hold majority stakes. The proposed developments include bauxite mining operations with annual production capacity of up to 5 million tonnes and an alumina refinery capable of producing 1.2 million tonnes annually. The projects will target the Nyinahin bauxite deposit in southwest Ghana, where estimated resources exceed 100 million tonnes, according to Rusal. The agreement was announced during a...
Grow with
AL Circle
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are collaborating on a new project to produce aluminium radiators, according to sources familiar with the matter. The project is slated for development within the Free Economic Zone of Alat in Azerbaijan, with the participation of Uzbekistan's trustworthy and responsible manufacturer investing approximately $10 million into the venture. The enterprise has one of the largest computer-integrated manufacturing facilities in Central Asia. Uzbekistan is a leading producer of electrical products, including transformers, cables, wires, electronics, and household appliances. Its exports exceed $1 billion annually. The country's major export markets include the CIS, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Azerbaijan's robust electrical industry is a significant player,...
Recently, the Carbon Research Institute of Zhengzhou Research Institute of Chinalco achieved recognition for three significant technical advancements. These innovations have been officially designated as "Green and Low Carbon Advanced Technological Achievements of Henan Province (2024)." The three innovations are: Comprehensive Utilization Technology of Classified Resources of Aluminum Electrolytic Overhaul Slag - This enables the efficient classification and recovery of valuable elements from overhaul slag. The resulting building material products meet the required standards, while the graphitized products comply with the specifications for calcined petroleum coke used in graphitized cathode carbon blocks (YS/T 763-2019). This technology has been implemented across four enterprises. It...
This week, notable developments have surfaced in the upstream aluminium sector, covering bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. To begin with, a recent report stated that the Canadian government is considering adopting a tariff strategy similar to that of the United States, targeting electric vehicles, aluminium, and steel imported from China. This was followed by the news that the Aluminum Association has expressed strong support for the Canadian Government's recent announcement to introduce a 25 per cent additional tariff on certain aluminium and aluminium products imported from China, mirroring similar actions taken by the United States. However, the news of the Canadian government planning to impose a 100 per cent tariff on China-origin electric vehicles and 25 per cent on aluminium...
On Friday, August 30, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry suggested an anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminium foil imports as it observed Chinese foils accounting for 30 per cent of the Indian market despite adequate domestic production capacity. The duty recommendation followed an inquiry request from Hindalco on account of the adverse impact of imports on domestic foil manufacturing companies. Other companies that filed an inquiry include Shyam Steel & Power Ltd., Venkateshwara Electrocast Pvt. Ltd., and Ravi Raj Foils Ltd. The inquiries were filed on grounds of Chinese aluminium foil influx into India. In the first seven months of FY2024-25, the import value exceeded $60 billion, up by 10 per cent from the $55 billion recorded...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest producer of premium aluminium, has reported strong financial results for Q12024, driven by sustained global demand for premium aluminium. EGA's adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) reached AED 4.20 billion ($1.14 billion) for H1 2024, marking a slight increase from AED 4.15 billion ($1.13 billion) in the same period last year. The company's net profit stood at AED 1.84 billion ($500 million), down from AED 1.96 billion ($533 million) in H1 2023, reflecting the impact of the UAE's newly introduced corporate tax, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, at a rate of nine per cent. EGA's aluminium segment adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 27.5 per cent, compared to 26.9 per cent in the first...
The National Aluminium Company Limited’s subsidiary KABIL has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with Oil India Limited to explore and develop critical mineral projects jointly. Signed at NALCO’s headquarters in Bhubaneswar, the MoU aims to build a strong collaboration between KABIL and Oil India and foster teamwork in exploring critical minerals, domestically and internationally. According to the terms signed in the MoU, KABIL and Oil India will work together on existing and future projects, including identifying international critical mineral opportunities and jointly investing in selected ventures. This partnership will leverage the expertise of both companies to develop critical mineral projects and secure a reliable supply of these essential materials for India’s growing...
South32 increased its manganese and aluminium production in South Africa for the fiscal year ending June 2024 despite facing lower prices and higher truck-related costs. The company is actively exploring low-carbon energy solutions. South32 anticipates a 12 per cent increase in unit operating costs for its South African manganese operations, driven by higher price-linked royalties and inland logistics expenses. Meanwhile, the company's Hillside operation in South Africa boosted its saleable aluminium production by 1,000 tonnes to 720,000 tonnes during the year under review, despite challenges from load shedding, particularly earlier in the year. South32 expects to maintain production levels at Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere, throughout 2025 and 2026. "I...
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the world’s alumina production rose steadily in July 2024 on a month-on-month basis but reflected a fall annually. As per the data revealed by IAI, Oceania was a primary factor for the monthly growth or annual fall in July alumina production worldwide. The output in Oceania grew in July month-on-month by 8.89 per cent from 1.327 million tonnes to 1.445 million tonnes, while it fell year-on-year by 11.24 per cent from 1.628 million tonnes. The world’s alumina production in July 2024 stood at 12.155 million tonnes, up by 0.88 per cent from 12.049 million tonnes in June 2024 but down from 12.167 million tonnes in July 2023. However, the annual fall in the world’s July 2024 alumina output was largely offset by the increase in...
China-based Dongqing Melting and Casting Plant has unlocked a significant breakthrough in advancing the recycling of aluminium. The company has consistently enhanced the use of recycled aluminium, by effectively utilising these resources. The plant has contributed significantly to environmental protection and the circular economy, ensuring robust support for aluminium recycling initiatives. To boost the recycling of aluminium scrap, the melting and casting plant has implemented a comprehensive scrap recycling system. This includes increased efforts in publicity and education to enhance employee awareness and support for aluminium recycling. The plant has also intensified training for relevant staff, introduced an economic incentive mechanism, and encouraged participation in recycling...
Swisstek Aluminium recently earned the Gold Award in the Organisation category at the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) Green Awards 2024. This accolade underscores Swisstek's status as Sri Lanka's leading sustainable aluminium extruder, adhering to top international standards with certifications in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2018, and ISO 50001:2018, as well as verified carbon footprint credentials. The company's dedication to sustainability is evident through its 1.5 MW rooftop solar panel system, which produces 6,000 kWh of clean energy daily and helps neutralize carbon emissions by reducing its carbon footprint by 192,600 kgCO2e each month. Additionally, Swisstek operates a Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant with a capacity of 1.5 m³ per hour, reflecting its commitment to resource...
A significant step has been taken towards the non-ferrous metals industry by the Government of India by mandating the 5 per cent content of recycled aluminium in all new products from the beginning of the financial year 2027-28. The mandate is for non-ferrous metals like aluminium, copper, and zinc. The Government is initiating the regulation with the 5 per cent recycled aluminium content rule but gradually intends to increase it to 10 to 25 per cent, depending on the metal. For instance, products made of aluminium should have 10 per cent recycled content, copper 20 per cent, and zinc 25 per cent. Thus, the new regulation will require aluminium, copper, and zinc producers to recycle a certain amount of products and introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure...
UAE-based Dubal Extrusion Investment (DEI), a subsidiary of Dubal Holding (DH), has successfully completed the Phase I of the rooftop solar power generation project at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company under DEI's ownership. The project, carried out by Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, became operational in early July. The project was executed under a Solar Lease Agreement, eliminating upfront costs and offering a seamless solution for operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates. About the solar project Located on the rooftops of buildings 1 and 2 at the OSE plant, the solar system boasts a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp) and is projected to produce 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak...
En+ Group, the largest producer of low-carbon aluminium and the biggest independent renewable energy generator, has announced its financial results for the first half of FY2024 ended June 30. The Group described the period as an onlooker of geopolitical tensions, weak metal demand, high interest rates, and sanctions on Russian aluminium. All these factors adversely affected the Group’s financial results, resulting in a 5 per cent Y-o-Y drop in primary aluminium and alloy sales from US$4,740 million to US$4,502 million. As a consequence, revenue decreased by 3.6 per cent from US$7,283 million to US$7,021 million; however, this was partly offset by alumina and electricity sales increase from US$181 million to US$191 million and US$898 million to US$915 million, respectively. The rise in...
On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at a high of US$2,486.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,450 per tonne, and closed at US$2,466 per tonne, down US$18 per tonne, a decrease of 0.72 per cent. On Thursday, August 29, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price declined by US$41.5 per tonne or 1.67 per cent and US$42 per tonne or 1.69 per cent to clock at US$2,437 per tonne and US$2,437.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$35.5 per tonne or 1.41 per cent and US$36 per tonne or 1.43 per cent to clock at US$2,465.50 per tonne and US$2,466 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price descended by US$25 per tonne or 0.95 per cent to halt at US$2,598 per tonne and US$2,603 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in...
The largest integrated aluminium producer in Southeast Asia, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, reported a 65 per cent increase in net profit for Q2 FY2024, driven primarily by higher selling prices and a stronger US dollar, which bolstered export revenues. For the quarter ending June 30, 2024, the company posted a net profit of RM505.83 million, up from RM305.79 million in the same period last year. Revenue also increased 5.2 per cent year over year, rising to RM3.95 billion from RM3.76 billion. However, Press Metal cautioned that macroeconomic uncertainties and rising alumina costs, driven by temporary supply disruptions, have increased expenses. The company remains optimistic, noting that these pressures are expected to ease by year-end as supply conditions stabilise. Tan Sri Paul...
Beverage can manufacturers stand to gain from AkzoNobel's drive for innovation with the introduction of a cutting-edge internal coating technology. The company's Packaging Coatings division has unveiled Accelshield™ 300, an advanced inside spray coating for aluminium beverage cans. This new solution is entirely free of bisphenols, styrene, PFAS, and formaldehyde and surpasses existing industry technologies by offering enhanced corrosion protection, flexibility, and superior sensory performance. Accelshield 300 technology "Our Accelshield 300 technology is further proof of our commitment to helping customers make the transition to a bisphenol-free world. We're providing the market with a more sustainable alternative that comes with even better performance, and because it far exceeds...
The concept of alloy wheels dates back to the early 1920s when they were used to enhance vehicles’ performance. The journey started with alloy wheels made from wooden planks with rounded edges and progressed until the age of aluminium alloy wheels. 1974 was the year that marked the first offer of aluminium alloy wheels to the general public on the VW Golf, Scirroco, Passat, and Audi as a low-cost, high-performance option for motorsports. Today, these wheels are a popular choice with the attainment of many other advantageous factors like heat dissipation, improved horsepower, better braking, better conduction, lower maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Following various advancements in aluminium alloy wheels triggering demand, the global market size of the product is estimated to grow to...
Texas Disposal Systems, based in Austin, has unveiled a bespoke material recovery facility (MRF) at Q2 Stadium, the home of Austin FC, the city's Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The mini MRF can handle approximately 1.5 tonnes of materials per hour, including aluminium cans, glass, food waste, cardboard, paper products, plastic bottles, and other recyclables. In alignment with the team's goal of making Q2 Stadium the "greenest stadium in MLS," Texas Disposal has developed a tailored sorting system to address the stadium's specific needs. Now, all materials discarded at Q2 Stadium are processed and sorted into recycling, compost, and waste streams through this specialized mini MRF. “The Austin FC fans are fantastic and do a great job at keeping materials in the right container; however, to...
