China recorded a bauxite price of USD 64 per dry metric tonne (DMT) on a CIF basis in August 2026, while India's quotation stood at USD 73 per DMT on an FOB basis, according to the supplied market assessment. The reported USD 9 difference highlights contrasting price levels across the two markets, although different shipping terms make a direct cost comparison difficult. China's CIF quotation includes freight and insurance, whereas India's FOB price covers the material up to loading at the port. Buyers sourcing bauxite from India therefore need to account for additional shipping costs to determine the final landed price. As a result, the USD 9 difference does not represent the actual gap between the two markets' delivered costs. Freight terms complicate regional bauxite price comparison...
Ford has produced more than 5,000 large aluminium unicastings at its Shelbyville Technical Center as it advances manufacturing preparations for the Fathom midsize electric truck, scheduled to launch in 2027. The castings are being used for process testing and prototype assembly at the company's Louisville Assembly Plant. The Fathom will feature two large aluminium unicastings that replace 146 individual structural parts, significantly simplifying the vehicle's architecture. Ford says the approach reduces vehicle mass and improves overall energy efficiency, while introducing a different method of assembling vehicles through its new Universal Production System. The two large structures form the front and rear sections of the vehicle. By consolidating numerous components into fewer castings,...
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According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China's primary aluminium production in July 2024 hit a more than two-decade high, with producers ramping up operations, particularly in Yunnan. China, the world's biggest aluminium producing country, churned out 3.68 million tonnes of primary aluminium, a 6 per cent increase year-on-year and the highest monthly output since at least 2002. The continued increase in the monthly production of primary aluminium in China could be attributed to new projects coming online in the northern region of Inner Mongolia in late Q2 2024, while smelters in other regions maintain strong production due to market profitability. Data from a Beijing-based aluminium consultancy, ALD, showed that the industry's average profit in June 2024 stood at about RMB...
On Thursday, LME 3M aluminium opened at US$2,325 per tonne, with a high of US$2,370 per tonne, a low of US$2,321.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,356 per tonne, up US$29 per tonne, an increase of 1.25 per cent. On Thursday, August 15, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$3.5 per tonne or 0.15 per cent and US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent to settle at US$2,300.50 per tonne and US$2,301 per tonne. LME aluminium 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent and US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent to clock at US$2,349 per tonne and US$2,350 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price moved down by US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent to clock at US$2,487 per tonne and US$2,492 per tonne. LME...
TAB Bank, a technology-driven, online bank serving small businesses, recently announced a $27.8 million credit facility for a southern California aluminium extrusion manufacturer as part of its commitment to providing business support during challenging times. The package, comprising a $20 million revolving line of credit and a $7.8 million term loan, is a lifeline for the company, which was reportedly facing headwinds with its previous lender. The manufacturer, introduced to TAB Bank through a trusted referral, found a willing and innovative partner in the Utah-based bank. TAB Bank's tailored credit structure addresses the company's immediate financial needs and positions it for renewed growth and expansion. This partnership marks a significant win for both parties. The aluminium...
Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. The nation's auto spare parts sector, with an estimated annual revenue ranging from $500 million to $900 million, possesses the latent power to become a cornerstone of economic growth. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped, as local manufacturing is minimal or virtually non-existent, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports. Contrast this with Tunisia, Africa's second-largest auto parts and components exporter after Morocco. Despite lacking a robust automotive assembly industry, Tunisia boasts about 280 auto industry firms that provide 90,000 jobs. Ambitiously, it plans to double its auto industry exports to $4.7 billion by 2027 and create an additional 150,000 jobs. This success story underscores a critical lesson: manufacturing can...
Sonekin Co. Ltd., a prominent player in the recycling sector in Japan, is making significant strides in its operations despite a modest workforce of fewer than 20 employees across its two facilities. The company is known for processing substantial volumes of recyclable ferrous and nonferrous metals, serving both domestic and international markets. Jundai Gon, Operations Manager at Sonekin, highlights the company's commitment to meeting diverse customer needs while ensuring the delivery of clean, processed grades to melt shops. This dedication to quality necessitates a careful selection of equipment. In recent years, Sonekin has upgraded its processing capabilities with two advanced machines from Bano Recycling, a leading manufacturer based in Padua, Italy. According to Gon, these machines...
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced a new set of technical regulations for Formula 1 starting in 2026, marking a significant evolution in the sport's technical and environmental standards. These regulations are set to introduce some of the most stringent requirements ever imposed in the sports industry, with notable advancements in various areas, including Additive Manufacturing (AM). The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is an association established on June 20, 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users. It is the governing body for many auto racing events, including Formula One. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world. Key aspects of the new regulations include: 'Nimble Car' concept: At the heart of the...
AS METAL COM SRL, a recycling centre in Bucharest, Romania, has reportedly obtained the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification for the recycling of aluminium scrap. The scrap is used in the manufacture and supply of secondary aluminium alloys cast in ingots and hemispheres for the automotive, household appliance, and steel industries in Bucharest, Romania. The facility recycles aluminium and produces about 17,000 tonnes per year of secondary aluminium alloy cast in the form of ingots and hemisphere, which are then used as raw materials for the automotive, steel, construction and consumer goods sectors. The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification was launched in May 2022, comprising 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainability pillars – Environment, Social,...
An attempt to list Novelis Inc. on the U.S. stock market is now projected for 2025, according to Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Ltd. This follows the postponement of the aluminium subsidiary's initial public offering, which was originally scheduled for 2024 but was delayed in June due to "adverse market conditions." The decision to push the IPO to 2025 reflects Hindalco's cautious approach amid ongoing market volatility. Pai emphasised that the company remains committed to the listing but will wait for more favourable conditions before moving forward. Pai said the only reason for listing Novelis was a premium valuation. "We do not need the money for Hindalco's operations in India." When the company first pursued an IPO, it did not receive the premium valuations that...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has increased by RMB 60 per tonne to exceed RMB 19,000 per tonne. On Thursday, August 15, China’s domestic primary aluminium ingot price has clocked at RMB 19,010 per tonne, marking a week-on-week rise of RMB 230 per tonne from RMB 18,780 per tonne. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 18,990 per tonne and RMB 19,030 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 30 per tonne and a premium price of RMB 10 per tonne. Region-wise analysis While the increase of A00 aluminium ingot price has touched upon all the provinces in China, Hangzhou, Tianjin, and Linyi have witnessed a hike of RMB 90 per tonne to RMB 19,040 per tonne, RMB 19,060 per tonne, and RMB 19,040...
The Queensland Government and Rio Tinto have partnered to promote renewable energy development in a significant move to protect heavy industry manufacturing around Gladstone. This agreement marks a critical step toward ensuring the long-term viability of Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL), Australia's second-largest aluminium smelter while protecting thousands of jobs in central Queensland. The partnership aligns with Queensland's ambitious vision to transform Gladstone into a renewable energy hub, bolstering the state's electricity grid as Australia advances toward a cleaner energy future. By joining forces, Rio Tinto and the Queensland Government are reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable aluminium industry, a goal that complements the Australian Government's Future Made in Australia...
On Wednesday, the 3-month LME aluminum contract opened at US$2,332.50 per tonne, with a high of US$2,365 per tonne, a low of US$2,319 per tonne, and closed at US$2,327 per tonne, up US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent. On Wednesday, August 14, LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price rose by US$41 per tonne and US$42.50 per tonne, respectively, to stand at US$2,297 per tonne and US$2,299 per tonne. The gradual increase of LME prices over the past few days has brought the LME aluminium benchmark price 3.16 per cent higher than US$2,228.50 per tonne on August 1. However, on a month-on-month calculation, the LME aluminium benchmark price has still remained lower by about US$123 per tonne. On the same day, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price stood at US$2,347...
The first half of 2024 witnessed significant developments in the Chinese aluminium industry, reflecting a blend of challenges, strategic shifts and growth. As a result, China's economic condition also witnessed significant changes during the H1 2024, owing to reasons like the demand production gap, which in turn resulted in higher aluminium prices. Apart from this, other specific reasons, like the ease of electricity shortage in the Yunnan province, also resulted in significant changes in the economic conditions. Another reason that brought about changes in the Chinese aluminium industry can be attributed to Rio Tinto's declaration of force majeure on alumina shipments from its Queensland refineries due to gas shortages, which in turn affected their operations, leading to supply risks...
MAAN Aluminium, a leading aluminium extrusion manufacturing company, has declared its financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25. In the report, MAAN Aluminium highlighted that its revenue decreased by 14.75 per cent year-on-year, totalling INR 176.78 crore versus INR 237.4 crore. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the revenue stood 25.35 per cent lower than INR 237.4 crore. Net income plunged by 66.6 per cent year-on-year and 53.43 per cent quarter-on-quarter to INR 3.39 crore. A year ago, the company’s net income was INR 10.15 crore, and a quarter earlier, it was INR 7.28 crore. Operating income was also under pressure, reflecting a year-on-year plunge of 69.98 per cent and a quarter-on-quarter decline of 54.16 per cent to INR 3.69 crore. Rising operational costs...
Started by entrepreneurs Adam Millman and Danny Neeson, De Nada, a New Orleans-based beverage company, has recently launched its blanco and reposado expressions in all-new sustainable and recyclable aluminium bottles. Using aluminium highlights that companies are trying to shift towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment. “In the spirits industry, sustainability should not just be a trend; it should be an expectation. Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are choosing brands that prioritise sustainability. Ultimately, sustainability isn’t just about making a product; it’s about making a difference. It’s about building a brand that helps preserve our planet for generations to come,” added Neeson. The company had already been certified as carbon neutral...
At this year’s RWM exhibition (NEC, 11-12 September), Alupro will host a panel discussion featuring prominent voices from the aluminium supply chain. The discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities in aluminium foil recycling. Martin Hyde, Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager will chair the session, which is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. on the Packaging and EPR stage. The panel will include Dr Ann Stevenson, Circular Economy Lead at Resource Futures, and Michael Goor, Head of New Channel Sales at I2R Packaging Solutions. Both will present recent research findings on foil capture rates. In addition to the panel discussion, the Alupro team will be exhibiting at Stand RS-I128 throughout the event, showcasing their latest awareness campaigns and educational...
Euroform, a manufacturer of high-quality building solutions with aluminium, has made an operational debut in Tatu City, Kenya, with a new metal works workshop at Tatu Industrial Park. This move is aligned with their business expansion plan. The first big project they have grabbed in Tatu City post their workshop launch is the Link Logistics & Business Park, the only SME warehousing and logistics park located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kenya. The contract is for supplying and installing aluminium windows and doors with glazing, louvres, and ironmongery. Much before launching the workshop, Euroform was involved in supplying and installing building solutions in Tatu City. The company has been a part of the construction of more than 3,000 apartments in Tatu City, which are either...
On Tuesday, August 13, Hindalco Industries Limited announced the first quarter results of the financial year 2024-25 ended June 30. In the report, the company highlighted its robust fiscal growth, attributing to the jump of global aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange. The profit earned in Q1 FY2025 before exceptional items and tax was INR 5,178 crore, up by 55.54 per cent Y-o-Y from INR 3,329 crore and 25.19 per cent higher Q-o-Q from INR 4,136 crore. Net profit amounted to INR 3,074 crore, also up by 25.26 per cent annually from INR 2,454 crore but reflected a sequential dip of 3.15 per cent from INR 3,174 crore. The Q-o-Q fall in net profit could be because of the expenses to repair the flood-affected Novelis plant in Switzerland. The company has made a provision of INR 330...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has appointed Luca Zipponi as the CEO of rolled products. In his new role, Luca will lead the growth and manage all operations for this product group, which serves sectors including automotive, insulation, power projects, electrical, and packaging. He will focus on leveraging technology to drive innovation and deliver enhanced value to customers, further solidifying Vedanta Aluminium’s market leadership and commitment to operational excellence. “I am excited to be part of Vedanta Aluminium. The rolled products vertical has tremendous potential in India, and I am excited about leveraging my expertise and global experience to deliver outstanding value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Luca Zipponi, CEO of Rolled Products, Vedanta...
