
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...
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Zhengzhou Research Institute recently hosted a seminar focused on revising the mandatory national standard, "Code for Safe Production of Aluminum Electrolysis" (GB29741-2013). During the seminar, Wang Huaijiang, the Institute's deputy general manager and safety director, outlined the primary objectives, content, and requirements, emphasising the importance of establishing effective norms and standards for the safe development of China's electrolytic aluminium industry. The event brought together 23 professional technicians from: Sinosteel Wuhan Institute of Safety and Environmental Protection Kunming Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy Design & Research Chinalco Qinghai Branch, Shandong Hongqiao Group The Institute's own aluminium electrolysis research team The participants engaged in...

According to a report, China has denounced Canada's proposed tariffs on Chinese aluminium, steel, and electric vehicles. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada said Canada's tariff plans reflect a typical act of trade protectionism and political dominance. The spokesperson cautioned that imposing tariffs on Chinese goods would disrupt Canada's economic structure and damage trade cooperation between China and Canada. The move would also harm the interests of Canada's consumers and enterprises and interrupt the North American country's efforts towards green transformation. On August 26, the Canadian Government declared its plan to imitate the United States 25 per cent tariffs on China-origin aluminium and steel and 100 per cent on electric vehicles, intending to address unfair...

Cerebral Energy (cerebral.eco) has announced that it has been awarded a Phase II STTR follow-on contract from AFWERX, valued at $1.6 million. This funding will advance the development of AGILE, a groundbreaking lithium-free secondary battery utilising recycled aluminium and graphene from US waste streams. Developed by Dr. Lynden Archer, Dean of the School of Engineering at Cornell University, and licensed by Cerebral, AGILE offers over three times the efficiency of lithium batteries, eliminates fire risk, charges ten times faster, and avoids supply chain challenges due to its use of domestically sourced recycled materials. The initial deployment will focus on supporting AFSOC medical modernisation teams to address critical tactical power needs. "On behalf of Cornell University, we are...

Australia-based packaged water company Billy has taken its sustainability game to a new level with the newly launched 100 per cent natural spring water in aluminium cans. The new Australian spring water brand, hailing from the pristine springs of Mt Buninyong, Victoria, is on a mission to replace plastic with sustainable and recyclable metal like aluminium. “The bold, eye-catching design ensures that Billy stands out, making it the perfect choice for those who are serious about hydration and environmental stewardship,” said Billy. Crafted in Australia, Billy’s durable, recyclable aluminium cans are designed to complement the freshness of the water they hold. Available in both still and sparkling varieties, Billy promises that water has never looked or tasted better. Aluminium beverage...

The Ohio-headquartered global leader in drivetrain and e-propulsion systems, Dana, has unveiled its 2023 Supplier Awards recipients. Eight companies across five countries were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Dana's strategic goals. Among the winners is India's Ramkrishna Forgings, a shining example of the global recognition that Indian manufacturers are now receiving, further cementing the global reputation of Indian-made automotive components. This recognition follows a growing trend of international acclaim for Indian manufacturers. Earlier this year, Sona Comstar earned American Axle's prestigious global supplier award, while Schaeffler acknowledged Harsh Engineers and Ravi Technoforge as top suppliers. This year's Dana Supplier Award winners include: Expand Global...

In a significant boost to Australia's domestic manufacturing sector, Capral Aluminium has forged a strategic supply partnership with Australia's sole domestic PV module manufacturer, Tindo Solar. Under this collaboration, Capral will provide extruded aluminium for Tindo's Australian-made solar panels, possibly expanding the partnership to support Tindo's anticipated Gigafactory. About the agreement This agreement represents a pivotal move for both companies as Tindo accelerates its operations to meet growing demand. The initial supply deal underscores Tindo's commitment to prioritising local suppliers within the renewable energy sector. Solar energy is one of the primary renewable energy sources in sun-soaked countries, and aluminium is a key material in solar panels. Capral, recognised...

AMAG Austria Metall AG has joined over 1,000 energy-intensive companies in signing the Antwerp Declaration, a powerful call for a European Industrial Deal. This collective initiative seeks to balance the urgent need for climate transition with safeguarding Europe’s industrial competitiveness. By adding its voice to this movement, AMAG underscores the critical importance of ensuring that the path to a greener future also secures the economic viability of the basic materials sector across the continent. Helmut Kaufmann, CEO of AMAG, said, “Signing the Antwerp Declaration is an important signal from AMAG and the entire energy-intensive industrial sector in Europe. We face enormous challenges on the path to climate neutrality, and it is essential that we, as an industry, receive the support...

On Monday, August 26, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced that it successfully certified Cameroon’s primary aluminium producer, Alucam, against the Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification. Alucam has reportedly bagged the certification for primary aluminium smelting, including the production of green anodes at their paste plant, anode baking and rodding, casting aluminium ingots and slabs, rolling of slabs, and coating of coils at the plant in Edea, Cameroon. ASI has also recognised the company for managing industrial waste at the landfill in Sikoum and handling coke, pitch, and alumina at the seaport and logistics site in Douala, Cameroon. The main activities of the facilities include aluminium smelting, aluminium casting, rolling, and coating of aluminium coils, with an...

Following the news on the Canadian Government’s plan to imitate the United States tariffs on Chinese aluminium, steel, and electric vehicles, the Aluminum Association released a statement applauding and welcoming a 25 per cent additional tariff on certain aluminium and aluminium products imported from China. Although the plan is awaiting public review, the tariffs are estimated to be implemented from October 1 and 15, 2024. This move coming into effect in Canada will mark a significant step towards creating fairer trade practices in the North American aluminium market. The United States and Canada are employing these additional tariffs, like 25 per cent on aluminium and steel and 100 per cent on electric vehicles , to address the unfair trading caused by the influx of cheap Chinese...

The Shenyang Institute held an exchange meeting with the Mining Corps and Lianchuang Centre of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd on the 5th of August, 2024. Technical experts from both organisations discussed Chinalco Group's AI application scenario, "Intelligent Decision-Making System for Electrolytic work-shops based on large models". Together, they developed a promotional model to push forward future research and development to speed up AI technology integration into electrolytic aluminium production. This partnership will result in transformational growth in the electrolytic aluminium sector. During the discussion, Huang Fei, the General Manager of Shenyang Institute, emphasised that AI-driven industry empowerment should prioritise process flow and control details to address the industry's...

The German aluminium industry experienced mixed results in production during the second quarter of 2024. While overall production trends varied, aluminium recyclers emerged as a bright spot, reporting significant gains. Recyclers produced around 725,000 tonnes of secondary aluminium from April to June, marking a 4 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter. However, despite this positive development, the industry's performance in the first half of the year still fell short of last year's levels. Total production for the first six months stood at approximately 1.4 million tonnes, representing a 2 per cent decline compared to the same period in the previous year. Rob van Gils, President of Aluminium Deutschland, emphasised, "Aluminium recycling is an essential building block for the...

Alucam, a Cameroon-based aluminium company engaged in producing ingots, plates, coils, sheets, and discs, has reported substantial growth in the export of raw aluminium to France in 2023. The export volume amounted to 15,879 tonnes, making aluminium the fifth largest product being shipped from Cameroon to France in 2023. France has become a dominant destination for Cameroon’s aluminium exports. In 2023, the European country alone received 36 per cent of Cameroon’s aluminium exports, contributing about 38.4 per cent of the country’s export revenue. Throughout 2023, Cameroon’s total aluminium exports reached 43,916 tonnes, generating CFA54.2 billion. On August 19, 2024, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) backed the data, revealing that these exports brought in CFA 20.8 billion for...

On Tuesday, August 27, the SHFE aluminium benchmark price moved up by US$2 per tonne or 0.07 per cent to clock at US$2,789 per tonne. W-o-W, the price has surged by US$40 per tonne or 1.45 per cent from US$2,749 per tonne. The most-traded SHFE aluminium 2410 contract opened at RMB 19,930 per tonne overnight, reaching a high of RMB 19,980 per tonne and a low of RMB 19,860 per tonne, and closed at RMB 19,890 per tonne, down RMB 35 per tonne, a decrease of 0.18 per cent. LME price On Monday, August 26, the LME market was closed for a day due to the summer bank holiday. However, on Friday, August 23, both the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price gained US$28.5 per tonne or 1.15 per cent and US$28 per tonne or 1.13 per cent to clock at US$2,498.50 per tonne...

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Government of India, has issued a notice regarding the appropriate units of measurement for the sale of food wrapping paper and aluminium foils used for carrying food products. These products are sold by weight (in kilograms) and/or length (in metres). The notice cites Rule 12 and Rule 16 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which require that the quantity declaration on packaging be precise and accurate for consumer transparency. The packaging must state the number of usable sheets and dimensions for items like aluminium foils. The Ministry proposes that both weight (kg) and dimensions (metre x metre or cm x cm) be declared on packaging to ensure that consumers have accurate information about the...

According to a recent report, the Canadian government is contemplating replicating the United States tariff plans on electric vehicles, aluminium, and steel imported from China. The news came on August 26 after the Toronto Star, a Canadian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper, reported about the Canadian government's plan. As per the report, the government plans to implement a 100 per cent tariff on China-origin electric vehicles and 25 per cent on aluminium and steel, following Washington's increased tariffs on Chinese electric cars from 25 per cent to 100 per cent, coming into effect on August 1, 2024. In May 2024, Joe Biden's administration announced the increase of tariffs on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and minerals, aiming to protect the...

The management council of Guangyuan Economic Development Zone recently concluded an investing agreement with Deyang Tianhe Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. for a new production project. The new project will be centred on manufacturing aluminium alloy auto parts with a targeted annual output of 30000 tonnes. It is a move to produce lightweight car components that cost RMB 1 billion. Once operational, the project's projected annual output value will be approximately RMB 950 million, with tax revenue of around RMB 20 million, and it will produce up to 1500 jobs. Shipan Industrial Park hosts this particular project, which is being developed by Deyang Tianhe Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. In general, Deyang Tianhe produces aluminium alloy casting, finishing and assembly primarily for...

Coffee pods have become a staple in our daily routines, offering unmatched convenience and efficiency for brewing coffee. As per the reports, Oxford City Council has announced that over 2.3 million used aluminium and plastic coffee pods have been recycled. Recycling coffee pods is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of their production and disposal. Impressive milestone for Oxford Oxford Direct Services (ODS), which operates on behalf of the council, collects the pods for processing by the not-for-profit recycling service Podback. So far, around 3,500 households have signed up with this service since they partnered with ODS three years ago. Oxford City Council is the local authority for the city of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. This is an “impressive milestone...

In July 2024, primary aluminium production across Europe saw a month-on-month increase of 3.66 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 3.82 per cent, standing at 595,000 tonnes, according to the International Aluminium Institute data. The increase in July output was contributed by both Eastern Europe (including Russia) as well as Western & Central Europe. Russia & Eastern Europe Russia & Eastern Europe's primary aluminium production in July 2024 registered a month-on-month increase of 3.82 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 4.75 per cent, as per the data shown by the International Aluminium Institute. The primary aluminium output in Russia & Eastern Europe during July 2024 was 353,000 tonnes, compared to 340,000 tonnes in June and 337,000 tonnes in July 2023. The daily average production in...