Aluminium’s trade map is no longer drawn by smelters alone. Scrap flows, power contracts, industrial policy and specialist grades now shape who secures metal, at what cost and under whose rules. Ten recent developments across Europe, the US, Australia, Japan and Mexico show how recycling, energy and regulation are becoming the new levers of aluminium competitiveness. They also show where traders, exporters and policymakers may need to adjust. Scrap tug-of-war: the US pull, Europe’s leak and the recycling base at stake The pull starts with price. The US UBC scrap benchmark averaged USD 2,322.89 a tonne in July, USD 2,491.22 in August and USD 2,602.51 in September. That is a 12 per cent climb, and it came after a July that opened at USD 2,464.98 and fell to USD 2,270.76 within two days....
Aluminium prices recorded another gain on October 30, extending their late-month recovery as improving Chinese industrial indicators provided a supportive backdrop for the non-ferrous metals market. The latest movement comes amid a mixed demand environment, with stronger manufacturing activity and higher primary aluminium production in China contrasting with a broader slowdown in downstream purchasing. The benchmark aluminium quote reached USD 3,076.8, supported by a positive trading session. However, the recovery remains incomplete, with prices yet to return to the higher levels recorded earlier in the autumn. Aluminium rebounds from its late-October decline The daily price chart indicates a prolonged decline through June, followed by relatively stable trading and intermittent recoveries...
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AMAG Austria Metall AG, a leading Austrian supplier of primary aluminium, premium cast, and rolled aluminium products, announced its financial results for the first half of 2024 ended June 30, whereby it said the challenging environment in terms of demand for aluminium rolled products continued in the second quarter resulted in weaker revenue and net income. Although the increased aluminium prices in the June quarter cushioned worldwide subdued demand for aluminium rolled products, AMAG's revenue stood less in H1 2024 at EUR 707.7 million versus EUR 796.4 million in H1 2023. AMAG's net income after taxes was EUR 33.4 million in H1 2024, down 34.51 per cent Y-o-Y from EUR 51 million. EBITDA was also below the H1 2023 level, standing at EUR 95.3 million, but better than the second half of...
Baotou Aluminum has achieved a significant milestone by successfully passing the national thermal coal testing capability verification for the third consecutive year. The Shandong Institute of Metallurgical Science Co., Ltd conducted this verification, which was authorised by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). Following a thorough on-site inspection and data audit, experts have affirmed that the Baotou Aluminum Center laboratory's testing capabilities and technical proficiency are exceptional. As a result, the laboratory has been officially certified. Moving forward, the central laboratory will further enhance its inspection and testing capabilities to bolster its technical support for the green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of service...
According to the International Aluminium Institute, primary aluminium production in Africa during the first half of 2024 demonstrated a year-on-year downswing, mostly due to the bearish Q1. As per IAI data, Africa's total primary aluminium output in H1 2024 edged a fall of 2.8 per cent Y-o-Y from 788,000 tonnes to 766,000 tonnes. In the June quarter (Q2), the output amounted to 388,000 tonnes, which was 2 per cent lower than 396,000 tonnes in Q1 2023 but 2.65 per cent higher Q-o-Q compared to 378,000 tonnes. Analysis of the production downfall The above data demonstrates a quarterly rise in Africa's primary aluminium output, but it has been enough to offset the annual downtrend. The decline in Africa's primary aluminium production could be primarily attributed to Mozal Aluminium, which...
China-based Guochao Aluminum recorded a total industrial output value of RMB 820 million during the first half of 2024 (H1). In the second quarter (Q2) alone, the company produced over 12,000 tonnes of aluminium, generating an output value of RMB 615 million and surpassing the quarterly target by 2.47 per cent. The primary economic indicators demonstrated both "stable growth" and "exceeding the halfway mark." The impressive results of the second quarter are a testament to the dedication and persistent efforts of all departments at Guochao Aluminum. The General Dispatching Room effectively coordinated resources to ensure the successful achievement of quarterly targets. Meanwhile, the production department adopted a problem-solving approach, continuously optimised the product structure, and...
Aluminium Doctor, a Durban North-based company known for its aluminium and glass manufacturing and installation industry, recently achieved the SABS ISO 9001 certification. This certification distinguishes Aluminium Doctor from its competitors and validates its vision of delivering cutting-edge operations. Durban North is an area to the north of Durban in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. "Achieving our ISO certification was no walk in the park, the entire process took a year and meant re-engineering many different aspects of our business. The result is a business well prepared to deliver consistently high-quality products and services based on tried and tested systems. We feel that our ISO accreditation validates our commitment to cutting edge...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, A00 aluminium ingot price has recovered RMB 190 per tonne to close the week on Friday, July 26, at RMB 19,200 per tonne. However, despite the latest rise, the price is down week-on-week by RMB 290 per tonne and month-on-month by RMB 860 per tonne. The average prices today are estimated to range between RMB 19,180 per tonne and RMB 19,220 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60-20 per tonne. China’s domestic low-carbon aluminium price has also escalated by RMB 175 per tonne, standing at RMB 20,021 per tonne. However, on a week-on-week basis, the price has edged a fall of RMB239 per tonne from RMB 20,260 per tonne, and on a month-on-month calculation, the price stands RMB 766 per tonne lower than RMB 20,787...
Quantum Fishing has introduced its new line of budget-friendly saltwater fishing reels, the Strive Spinning Reels, at ICAST 2024. The Strive series will be available in six sizes (2500 to 8000), each featuring high-strength aluminium frames. These durable aluminium frames ensure the internal gearing remains perfectly aligned throughout the reel's lifespan. Additionally, the Strive reels incorporate Quantum's SEALOQ technology, with both the body and spool fully sealed to IPX6 standards, preventing water, salt, and grit intrusion. The reel handle is equipped with an oversized power knob, enhanced with rubber over-moulding for a secure grip even when wet. Features of the aluminium-framed fishing reels SEALOQ™ 6 Protection: Fully seals the body and spool (rated to IPX6), actively shielding...
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,298 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,303 per tonne and a low of US$2,266 per tonne, and closed at US$2,277.5 per tonne, down US$17.5 per tonne, a decrease of 0.76 per cent. Aluminium prices have been significantly down since the beginning of July. After witnessing bearish growth for the past two days, on Thursday, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dwindled by US$47 per tonne, or 2.07 per cent, and US$47.5 per tonne, or 2.09 per cent, to settle at US$2,218 per tonne and US$2,218.50 per tonne, respectively. W-o-W, the benchmark price also fell US$116.5 per tonne, or 4.98 per cent, from US$2,335 per tonne. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also declined by US$37 per tonne, or 1.60 per...
We are delighted to announce the upcoming IBAAS-IIM 2024 International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition, set to take place during September 25-27, 2024 in the beautiful Goa, India. This prestigious event is poised to be a pivotal gathering for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts, fostering collaboration and innovation within the bauxite, alumina, and aluminium sectors. Why Attend IBAAS-IIM 2024? Engaging Keynote Sessions: Hear from renowned experts and thought leaders who will share their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the industry. Our keynote sessions are designed to inspire and inform, setting the stage for fruitful discussions. Over 70 In-Depth Technical Presentations: Gain valuable knowledge from over 70 technical...
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest premium aluminium producer in the world and the biggest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has digitally linked its metals quality analysis system to the London Metal Exchange. EGA is the world's first company to do so, enabling the automation of the process of submitting analysis certificates. These are quality assurance documents required for metal shipments into and out of LME-approved warehouses worldwide. Metals are eligible for delivery into LME warehouses only when they meet specified standards for quality, shape, weight, and the Exchange's responsible sourcing requirements. Emirates Global Aluminium has achieved a significant milestone by connecting certificates of analysis digitally to the London Metal...
Kam Kiu Aluminium Products Group Limited, a leading aluminium extruder in Hong Kong, plans to invest $100 million in building an aluminium plant in Vietnam's northern province of Nam Dinh. According to Herley Lei, a company executive, this plant will be Kam Kiu Aluminium's first overseas investment. It will be located on 12-20 hectares of land in My Thuan Industrial Park. The plant will produce high-quality aluminium parts for electronic equipment, smart devices like phones, displays, speakers and watches, and automotive parts, leveraging advanced technologies. Harley Lei said the plant will serve tech giants with its advanced aluminium parts for electronic equipment. Kam Kiu Aluminium aims to start operations at the plant in May 2025 after receiving provincial authorities to facilitate...
On Wednesday, July 24, the three-month LME aluminum contract opened at US$2,296 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,320.50 per tonne and a low of US$2,286 per tonne, and closed at US$2,295 per tonne, down US$2.5 per tonne or 0.15 per cent. LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price inched up for another day by US$2 per tonne after relentless declines since the beginning of July. With a slight growth for the second day in a row, LME aluminium cash bid price clocked at US$2,265 per tonne and LME aluminium official settlement price arrived at US$2,266 per tonne, which was however, down by 4.1 per cent week-on-week from US$2,363 per tonne. 3- month bid price and 3-month offer price, on the other hand, continued to decline by US$3 per tonne to stand at US$2,312 per...
Co-op has initiated a 94-store trial featuring new BWS chillers for single-serve cans. The entire range, available in single-serve recyclable aluminium cans and displayed in new BWS chiller sections, includes pre-mixed cocktails, craft beers, ciders, wines, and ready-to-drink spirit mixers, providing Co-op members and customers with a wide variety of choices. As per AL Circle's "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report, the demand for recycled aluminium has grown steadily during the last decade. While the overall production for aluminium is likely to improve by about 2.3% in 2024, the demand for recycled aluminium is forecasted to grow at about 4.2 per cent. About the trial This trial includes ready-to-drink beverages, craft beers, ciders, wine, and cocktails, catering to the...
According to China customs data, China's alumina exports in June 2024 trended up M-o-M by 54.78 per cent to reach 157,100 tonnes versus 101,500 tonnes in May. The latest hike brought the country's cumulative exports during January-June to 810,700 tonnes. However, China's alumina imports in June decreased by 58.8 per cent month over month, amounting to 37,700 tonnes. Also, the import volume slumped by 13.93 per cent year-over-year. From January to June, China's total alumina imports stood at 1.185 million tonnes, up 56.04 per cent from the corresponding period of the previous year. Net imports of alumina in June were 119,400 tonnes, bringing the cumulative six months volume to 374,300 tonnes. Among the sources, Australia topped the list in June, supplying 31,500 tonnes, which accounted for...
Constellium announced that the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) has selected its Muscle Shoals, Alabama facility for a $23 million investment under Title III of the Defence Production Act. This funding, awarded through the Defence Production Act Investments (DPAI) Program, will be overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Industrial Base Policy. About the investment The investment will support the installation of cutting-edge casting equipment at the site of a previously dismantled Direct Chill aluminium casting centre. This upgrade is expected to boost the plant's annual casting capacity by 300 million pounds. With this increased capacity, Constellium aims to enhance its use of recycled...
Intalco Aluminum LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, the operator of the closed aluminium smelter in Ferndale, has agreed to a $5.25 million settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This settlement addresses violations of the Clean Air Act identified during a 2019 EPA inspection. Operations at the site began in 1966, and in 1984, the smelter shipped a record 286,000 tonnes of aluminium, a strong, durable, and lightweight metal essential for manufacturing aircraft and consumer goods such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and cooking utensils. According to Mark Personius, the director of Whatcom County Planning and Development, Intalco has submitted an application for a permit to demolish its former smelter site at Intalco Works. Personius informed...
Amid an unprecedented supply shortage of aluminium alloy, Porsche AG has reduced its sales and profit outlook, which has led to the German company’s shares falling 4 per cent to the bottom of Frankfurt’s blue-chip index. The news came after the luxury sports car maker said that a shortage of aluminium alloy supply in the market due to floods at Novelis’ Swiss site affected the production of all its models, possibly resulting in a suspension of manufacturing one or more vehicle series. According to the report, US-based Novelis had to shut down a Swiss site due to floods in the canton of Valais, at the end of June. Since then, the aluminium producer is working with its customers to minimise the impact of this natural catastrophe. However, the shutdown of the plant has affected its...
Amid growing concerns about demand, A00 aluminium ingot price has continued to decline by RMB 90 per tonne on Wednesday, July 24, to reach RMB 19,200 per tonne, marking almost a four-month low. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 19,180 per tonne and RMB 19,220 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 80-40 per tonne. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has edged a sharp W-o-W decline of RMB 290 per tonne from RMB 19,490 per tonne, while the price on a M-o-M basis has nosedived by RMB 1,060 per tonne from RMB 20,260 per tonne. A00 aluminium ingot price across regions In Gongyi, the A00 aluminium ingot price has descended by RMB 100 per tonne to stand at RMB 19,090 per tonne, followed by a...
