Spanish racing driverFernando Alonso has added a one-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse to his growing collection of rare cars. Known as chassis 8.100, the car is distinguished by bespoke aluminium bodywork that required more than 20 tonnes of aluminium to produce, along with dedicated CAD programmes developed by Bugatti. Its history is equally distinctive, being produced after an original customer pushed Bugatti to create something it had initially considered too expensive. For Alonso, the automobile fits closely with an approach to luxury he outlined in 2024 about choosing manufacturers that treat individual customers differently rather than simply producing cars in larger numbers. To know the aluminium casting demand forecast in the transportation sector, explore our report "Global...
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...
Grow with
AL Circle
European Aluminium, the voice of the entire aluminium value chain in Europe, welcomes the inclusion of primary aluminium in the EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia. This package expands existing restrictions on Russian aluminium imports and addresses a longstanding request of the industry to include primary aluminium alongside previously sanctioned products. The new sanctions cover key aluminium product categories, such as ingots, slabs, and billets, under the trade code HS 7601. Furthermore, a quota mechanism is introduced, allowing 275,000 tons, which equates to 80% of EU imports in 2024, to be used over a 12-month period. The EU's imports of Russian primary aluminium have declined significantly over the past two years, driven by proactive steps taken by European producers to...
Last week, President Trump signed a proclamation strengthening existing Section 232 aluminium tariffs that he originally implemented in 2018 on national security grounds. There’s a lot to like and a lot we support in the president’s action. Though – and this is critical – for our industry’s growth, and for national security, we must maintain tariff-free access to aluminium from Canada. The Aluminum Association welcomes the Trump administration’s focus on this critical material and our industry’s ability to compete. We want and need to open new smelting capacity in the United States, which is President Trump’s intent. It’s been 45 years since the U.S. built a new primary aluminium smelter. Strategic use of these tariffs – paired with unleashed American energy – could help get us there....
Sigma kicks off CP+ week with the launch of the ‘radically simple’ BF camera, a stunning 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens, and APS-C all-in-one zoom lens. Image Source: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/cameras/bf/ B&H is pleased to share, Sigma is getting an early start on CP+ with the launch featuring a brand-new mirrorless camera, two new zoom lenses, and a re-release of the much-loved I series of compact primes. The BF mirrorless camera goes for a "radically simple" design with an aluminium unibody and refined set of controls to make the most of the 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. The other part of today's release are two zooms: a stunning 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports optimised for professional shooting and an APS-C oriented 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary all-in-one for everyday...
Hindalco has announced that it will invest INR 15,000 crore (USD 1.81 billion) in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to expand the company’s aluminium smelting capacity in both current and new sites. The investment was announced at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh government. Image Source: https://www.hindalco.com Speaking to ANI, Hindalco’s Managing Director Satish Pai commented, “In the next two years, we will be investing about INR 15,000 crores just from the Hindalco side. And we will also be opening a large mine called Banda from the group side.” Hindalco has a state-of-the-art aluminium manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, with pre-invested INR 25,000 crore (USD 3.01 billion)...
Ford Motor Company is unfazed by a USD 5 billion to USD 5.5 billion loss anticipation in its ‘Model e’ electric vehicle section in 2025 due to expense challenges, mentioned company executives, with the brand aiming to grow its EV volume. Image Source: https://www.ford.com/electric/ In an after-hours revenues call on February 5, CFO Sherry House conveyed that the foreseen 2025 EV losses are stable year-on-year, as the EV segment registered a full-year EBIT loss of USD 5.1 billion in 2024. “While continued industry pricing pressure remains, we plan to materially increase our global volume driven by the full-year impact of European launches, and we significantly increased investment in our battery facilities and next-generation products, which are just two years away,” House stated. The...
Recently, the Internal Market Protection Department of the Eurasian Economic Commission announced the final ruling on the anti-dumping investigation of Chinese aluminium foil. It determined that the products involved were dumped and caused damage, recommending the imposition of anti-dumping duties for a period of five years. The specifications of the aluminium foil involved are thicknesses from 0.0046mm to 0.2mm, widths from 20mm to 1,616mm, and lengths over 150 meters. The HS codes of the products involved are 7607111109, 7607111909, 7607119000, 7607191000, 7607199009, 7607201000, and 7607209000. The anti-dumping duties for Chinese suppliers are as follows: Xiamen Xiashun Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. 19.52 per cent, Jiangsu Dingsheng New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. 17.16 per cent, and all...
A Global Trade Research Initiative’s (GTRI’s) flagship report on Friday has put the spotlight on a plethora of possibilities for the Indian Government to tackle US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that can potentially hit the Indian trade setup hard enough. One of which has pulled many eyeballs, including the government itself — India can consider a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff approach, which is practically lowering import duties on select products that it does not import in higher quantities from the US as part of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). On this note, government officials have revealed to a national media publication that the consideration was in full swing, and discussions commenced with stakeholders in sectors like automobiles and auto components, in which...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, the operating rate of China's primary aluminium alloy industry in January was 49.88 per cent, down 5.17 percentage points M-o-M, with a significant decline due to the Chinese New Year holiday. Based on the SMM survey, during the last week before the Chinese New Year, although more than half of the enterprises had no plans to adjust production, it was expected that normal production would continue during the holiday. Some enterprises reported that they were still fully engaged in taking orders and production, with little to no impact on their operating rates. However, some enterprises chose to slow down production, and northern customers indicated that the operating rate in January might drop by 10-20 per cent compared to normal levels....
India is set to launch its much-anticipated carbon market by 2026, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced on February 21, 2025. This initiative will be a game-changer for Indian industries, particularly exporters, as they strive to align with global carbon emission standards. By helping businesses curb emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, the move aims to strengthen India's position in the global marketplace while advancing its sustainability goals. Companies in industries like steel and cement are increasingly concerned about the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes tariffs on high-carbon imports. To remain competitive in the EU market, manufacturers will need to adopt greener energy sources and reduce carbon...
Aluminium remains a cornerstone of the global economy, with the rising demand for green metal highlighting its lasting significance. Despite challenges and periodic disruptions, the push for sustainable aluminium continues to gain momentum. Notable advancements have taken place in the upstream sector, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina refining, and primary aluminium production. To begin with, METLEN Energy & Metals has signed two long-term strategic agreements with global mining and metals giant Rio Tinto to reinforce its bauxite and alumina supply chain. NALCO's announcement of INR 30,000 crore (USD 3.45 billion) investment in aluminium business expansion, revealed by Union Minister of Coal & Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, marks its first major capital expenditure in...
Futures: Yesterday, the SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,865 per tonne, peaked at RMB 20,895 per tonne, hit a low of RMB 20,820 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,860 per tonne, up RMB 70 per tonne or 0.34 per cent from the previous day. LME aluminium opened at USD 2,687 per tonne, reached a high of USD 2,730 per tonne, a low of USD 2,686.5 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,730 per tonne, up USD 43 per tonne or 1.6per cent. Macro: (1) US Fed's Bostic: Still expects two interest rate cuts this year, but there is significant uncertainty; Goolsbee: PCE data is unlikely to be as alarming as CPI data. If tariffs lead to higher inflation, the Fed will take it into account. (Bullish ★) (2) US Treasury Secretary Besant: The Fed's September rate cut was too large; no plans to reassess gold...
Sustainaholics, in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail and Compass Supply Solutions, has unveiled a pioneering range of spirits packaged in fully recycled 5cl aluminium bottles at UK airports. Now featured in Discover London stores, these innovative bottles provide a more sustainable option compared to conventional packaging. Image Source: Sustainaholics website The London-based brand first entered the travel retail market in 2023, introducing lightweight and space-saving aluminium bottles designed explicitly for airline service. Their sustainable approach gained further momentum in March 2024, when select products were incorporated into the in-flight menus of British Airways and easyJet. David Mills, founder of Sustainaholics, commented, "We're delighted to see our 100% recycled...
Speira's Recycling Services and SMS group have formed a strategic partnership to enhance operational standards through advanced digitalisation technologies for scrap handling at Speira's sites in Töging am Inn, Grevenbroich, and Deizisau. Metallics Optimizer – AI-driven charge-mix optimisation solution As part of the agreement, SMS group will implement its "Metallics Optimizer," an AI-driven charge-mix optimisation solution to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimise the scrap mix. The rollout of the Metallics Optimiser will integrate seamlessly with aluminium melting and holding furnaces and those used for magnesium production. The implementation of the Metallics Optimiser will extend to additional Speira-specific applications, focusing on business processes while...
Motorcycle enthusiasts, get ready to rev your engines! Whether you're a city commuter, a leisure traveller, or an adventurous rider, the two-wheeled world has some exciting new offerings for you in 2025. In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven models that are worth considering, with a special focus on their use of aluminium and their price points. Triumph Speed T4: dual-tone elegance Triumph has recently launched the latest iteration of its Speed T4 model, and it's a sight to behold. Available in four new dual-tone colour options – Caspian Blue with Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss with Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black with Pearl Metallic White, and Phantom Black with Storm Grey – the Speed T4 boasts a sleek and stylish design. Featuring cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke...
A new set of sanctions against Russia has been agreed upon between the European Union member states, diplomats confirmed on February 19, 2025. However, this latest package, set to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on February 24, 2025, aims to sustain pressure on Moscow ahead of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis. Among the measures included is a ban on Russian aluminium imports. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on a social media platform, “The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin's shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans." "We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin." The EU has introduced its 16 th round of sanctions on Russia. At the same...
At the Dubai International Boat Show, Turkish yacht manufacturer Sancrea Yachts unveiled its latest collection of aluminium yachts, headlined by the impressive ALU 90. Measuring 27.8 meters, this flagship model is the product of collaboration with Azerbaijan-based Abbasli Design, renowned for its work on high-profile projects, including Tankoa Yachts' striking 63-meter concept, Project Stardust. Image Source: Sancrea Yachts website Engineered for both efficiency and superior handling, the ALU 90 features advanced naval architecture by SEFT Engineering. Key highlights include RINA certification, a generous seven-meter beam, and a robust twin MAN propulsion system, ensuring top-tier performance on the water. The ALU 90 features a well-designed layout with seven cabins, offering ample space...
The announcement of a ban on Russian primary aluminium in the EU's 16th package of sanctions represents untimely self-inflicted damage without any effect on the announced goals. If confirmed by EU ministers, this measure would put the entire downstream European aluminium value chain at risk. The Russian aluminium industry represents less than 0.5 per cent of the country's GDP, and the ban covers essentially one private company, RUSAL, which is the sole significant exporter. The company's sales to the EU recently amounted to roughly 2 billion euros. This amount was misleadingly presented as revenue for the Russian State, while it is the revenue of a private company. Obviously, only a small fraction of this amount is collected as tax by the Russian State. Therefore, the ban will have...
Canyon Resources Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Horton as Non-Executive Director, commencing his role on February 19, 2025. Horton’s appointment supports the Board’s strategy of attracting and building a proven, diversified, and highly credentialed team of industry professionals who can grow and develop the Company’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon through development and into production. Horton is a senior corporate finance professional with over 25 years of international experience in the development and financing of energy, natural resource and infrastructure projects. Horton has held senior roles with leading financial institutions across Australia, Africa, the Gulf Region, Hong Kong and Indonesia. An emerging markets expert, Horton brings a network of...
