According to SMM statistics, changes in aluminium ingot and aluminium billet (collectively referred to as aluminium inventory) inventories at major consumption areas in China around the National Day holiday from 2020 to 2026 show overall destocking before the holiday, with the most concentrated inventory buildup during the holiday, followed by a pullback after the holiday. During the one-week National Day holiday period (September 30 to October 8) from 2020 to 2025, aluminium ingot, aluminium billet, and total aluminium inventories all accumulated, with aluminium ingot increases of 4-17.3 per cent, aluminium billet increases of 12.7-66 per cent, and total aluminium inventory increases of 6.9-21.2 per cent, with the aluminium billet buildup significantly larger than that of aluminium...
1. Macro perspective The US-Iran conflict entered its second week. After the escort coalition intervened, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz partially recovered, but war risk insurance rates remained elevated. Brent crude pulled back from a high of USD 101 to consolidate around USD 95, with energy cost support weakening from earlier levels but not yet fading. The US Fed delivered a 25bp rate hike at its September FOMC meeting, and the dot plot indicated one more hike may still occur this year. Chair Warsh struck a hawkish tone in his post-meeting remarks, and the US dollar index held at a 13-month high. Next week, attention turns to China's official PMI on September 30, as well as US PCE and non-farm payrolls data during the National Day holiday—with China's market closed for seven days...
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LME aluminium opened at US$2,272 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2,279 per tonne and US$2,237.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,245.5 per tonne, down US$19.5 per tonne or 0.86 per cent compared to the previous day. On Wednesday, December 20, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price contracted by US$23.5 per tonne or 1.06 per cent to clock at US$2,191.50 per tonne and US$2,192 per tonne. As per the London Metal Exchange (LME) data, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price slumped by US$29 per tonne or 1.27 per cent to reside at US$2,243 per tonne and US$2,243.50 per tonne. December 24 bid price and December 24 offer price fell by US$23 per tonne or 0.96 per cent to clock at US$2,360 per tonne and US$2,365 per tonne. LME...
The 2023 smart manufacturing demonstration factory has recently unveiled its list of units and scenes. Yunnan Wenshan Aluminium Green Aluminium Intelligent Manufacturing Demonstration Factory, recommended by Chinalco Group, has made it to the list. The factory is the only intelligent manufacturing demonstration factory in the electrolytic aluminium industry and serves as an important achievement for Yunnan Aluminium Wenshan in building a "smart factory". This development indicates that Yunnan Aluminium Wenshan has made significant progress in green aluminium intelligent manufacturing. According to reports, the "2023 smart manufacturing demonstration pilot factory" selection was launched jointly by several government agencies in July. They have been enlisted below: The Ministry of Finance...
China-based Shandong Hongcan Material Technology initiated the first production stage for its large-scale, lightweight, integrated aluminium die-casting project. With a total investment of RMB 1.7 billion and a capacity to produce 3 million pieces annually of 8 different kinds of precision aluminium alloy structural components, the project was put into production on December 12. After the project's first phase is completed, it will be capable of producing 700,000 precision aluminium alloy structural components each year. Shandong Hongcan Material Technology Co., Ltd. specialises in producing lightweight automotive, large-scale, integrated die-casting parts. These include shock towers, stringers, rear bottom plates, battery shells, and gearbox shells. The company's primary customers are...
The United Kingdom is set to introduce a carbon border tax starting in 2027 for imports of key industrial materials, including aluminium, iron, steel, ceramics, and cement. This initiative mirrors the European Union's approach and aims to factor in the carbon emissions linked to manufacturing imported goods. The tax will also consider the disparity in carbon prices between the UK and the exporting country. India is likely to oppose this development India is likely to resist this development, viewing it as a non-tariff barrier akin to its stance against the carbon border adjustment mechanism introduced by the EU. Anticipated in the wake of these actions, other advanced economies are expected to follow suit by implementing comparable levies. On December 18, 2023, following the European...
The Indian aluminium scrap market has experienced a significant increase in prices owing to the rise in futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Despite this, transactions in the western region have been limited due to the absence of major trade participants with the Christmas festival approaching. Tight non-ferrous scrap prices in local markets across Europe and the US have caused upward pressure on export offers for various scrap grades. The slow accumulation of non-ferrous scrap in local markets has led suppliers to seek higher prices in international trade. SteelMint's latest assessment of Zorba 95-5, UK-origin, shows a rise of $55 per tonne, with the current price standing at $1,955 per tonne. Market participants indicate a positive shift in prices by $60-70 per tonne...
Uvax Bio, LLC, a reputable clinical-stage vaccine company, has recently received approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to conduct an upcoming Phase 1 study of their promising HIV-1 vaccine candidates. Uvax Bio's HIV-1 vaccines are combined with CpG 1018® adjuvant and aluminium hydroxide, which demonstrates enormous potential in the fight against HIV. This study is expected to commence in January 2024, and Uvax Bio is pleased to be collaborating with their esteemed clinical research partners, Avance Clinical and the Nucleus Network study site. Uvax Bio LLC's flagship 1c-SApNP® technology The company has developed two innovative vaccines utilising its proprietary 1c-SApNP® technology, which are presently undergoing...
Schupan, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has invested over $40 million to establish two new aluminium shredding and sorting facilities. The first facility in Kalamazoo is scheduled to begin operations in early 2024 after opening later this month. “This new facility represents our continued commitment to sustainability, allowing us to meet the growing global demand for green aluminum while minimizing energy consumption, emissions and environmental disruption,” said Marc Schupan, CEO of the company. About the investment According to Gary Curtis, President of Industrial Recycling at Schupan, the investment includes the procurement of land, the construction of buildings, and the buying of equipment. He also added that Schupan chose Kalamazoo as one of its locations due to its seamless...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has become the world's first aluminium producer and the first Middle East company to join the Sea Cargo Charter, a global initiative promoting sustainability in shipping and maritime activities. Image: EGA This move reinforces EGA's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with international climate goals. As the International Energy Agency reported, the global shipping industry accounted for two per cent of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. EGA's decision to join the Sea Cargo Charter is a proactive step in addressing this environmental challenge. The Sea Cargo Charter provides a global framework for evaluating and disclosing the environmental impact of ship chartering activities to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions...
Established in the year 2000, Edno Premium has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of suspended ceiling systems and plasterboard accessories. With a legacy spanning over two decades, the company takes pride in its rich experience and a dedicated team of experts committed to delivering high-quality and enduring solutions to its customers. Customer satisfaction takes centre stage at Edno Premium , and this commitment is evident in their continuous efforts to elevate the quality and diversity of their products. Their unwavering dedication has positioned them as an internationally renowned supplier of suspended ceiling systems, contributing significantly to projects across the globe. What sets Edno Premium apart is not only its commitment to quality but also its steadfast dedication to...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) has been accredited with the Performance Standard V2 (2017) Provisional certification. CBG has received the certification for its activities in Boké Prefecture, Guinea, which include bauxite mining near Sangarédi, bauxite export port operations at Kamsar, rail operations, and a biodiversity offset site. The audit process is characterised by a dedicated and comprehensive assurance procedure that follows a risk-based approach to assure the integrity of the audit results. The certification scope encompasses various areas, including: the Sangarédi mining site (exploration and mining operations) the Kamsar bauxite processing plant (bauxite drying and crushing) the Kamsar port facilities the Boké...
Cervejaria Masterpiece has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status and Chain of Custody V2 by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). The firm has a microbrewery that makes various speciality beers packed in aluminium cans and marketed locally and worldwide. Cervejaria Masterpiece has obtained Provisional status for meeting the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) and has been certified to manufacture aluminium beverage cans at its plant in Niterói, Brazil. DNV Business Assurance Services UK Ltd carried out the independent, third-party audit. Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of ASI, commented, “We congratulate Cervejaria Masterpiece on achieving dual ASI Certification with Provisional Status for the Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Full...
DECO Australia, the renowned Australian manufacturer of timber-style aluminium building products, has completed its solar panel installation project at its manufacturing plant in Minto, Southwest Sydney. The company's latest solar panel project, which consists of over 950 solar panels, is a significant milestone in DECO's efforts toward environmental conservation and sustainability. Macarthur Solar installed DECO Australia's solar energy system. With a total solar energy capability of over 500 kilowatts, the newly installed panels will generate enough energy to power approximately 60% of the company's operations, equivalent to powering around 100 average-size homes per year or planting over 10,000 trees. This initiative is a testament to DECO's commitment to adopting eco-friendly...
On December 19, 2023, the European Union prolonged its trade truce with the United States for an additional 15 months. This extension averts the automatic imposition of tariffs on trans-Atlantic trade valued in billions of euros, which would have otherwise taken effect on January 1, 2024. EU, US multi-billion-dollar trade dispute and tariffs The October 2021 agreement between Brussels and Washington, aimed at resolving a trade dispute over aluminium and steel inherited from the Trump era, was slated to conclude by the year's end. However, both parties had been working urgently to reach a resolution and prevent the reimplementation of tariffs on a multi-billion-euro trade. Unfortunately, discussions between US President Joe Biden and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in...
Yunnan Aluminium Corporation has added three more national-level green factory recognitions to its resume. The accomplishment of this honour is a complete examination of the energy utilisation efficiency, energy resource utilisation, and product energy consumption level of the company's connected industries. It also recognises Yunnan Aluminium's overall strength in technical innovation, smart production, and other businesses. As per the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, three companies, Yunnan YunLv Yongxin Aluminium, Yunlv Zexin, and Yunlv Haixin, have been selected for the 2023 Green Manufacturing List. Currently, the firm has established five green factories at the national level, which include Yunnan Aluminum Corporation and Yunnan Aluminum...
The establishment of Hindalco's battery foil manufacturing unit in Odisha might be the motivation behind C4V's forging of a contract with one of the largest aluminium manufacturers in India. This partnership will enhance trade relations between the companies, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of coated aluminium foils, battery-grade aluminium foil and other structural parts for Li-ion batteries. Supply agreement analysis The US-based lithium-ion battery technology firm has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with provisions for 2,000 tonnes of battery-grade aluminium foil delivery over an extended period of five years. The document also graphs a strategic discography for the successful advancement of technology and material development collaborations. The entire action would be...
On Wednesday, December 20, the A00 aluminium ingot price in China has grown by RMB 40 per tonne to clock at RMB 18,980 per tonne, with average prices between RMB 18,960 per tonne and RMB 19,000 per tonne. The spot contract price may be traded at a discount price of RMB 10 per tonne to a premium price of RMB 30 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the prices have grown in all the provinces. On the same day, the price in Tianjin has hiked by RMB 60 per tonne to clock at RMB 18,980 per tonne. The Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) data revealed that the domestic aluminium ingot prices in Wuxi, Hangzhou and Linyi have ascended by RMB 40 per tonne to clock at RMB 18,960 per tonne, RMB 18,980 per tonne and RMB 19,030 per tonne. The prices in Chongqing and Shenyang have also expanded by RMB 30 per tonne to...
LME aluminium opened at US$2283 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2283 per tonne and US$2257 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2265 per tonne, down 0.74 per cent. The LME aluminium live price chart, on December 19, displayed that there have been slight hikes in aluminium prices. The LME aluminium cash bid price and the LME aluminium official price soared by US$2.50 per tonne or 0.11 per cent to officially close at US$2,215 per tonne and US$2,215.50 per tonne. On December 19, last year, the LME aluminium price was US$2,327 per tonne, which is why a Year-on-Year slump of US$111.50 per tonne or 4.79 per cent can be calculated. The London Metal Exchange graph flashed that the 3-month bid price and the 3-month offer price escalated by US$10.50 per tonne or 0.46 per...
In 2023, following its combination with Calderys and its rebranding as HWI, a member of Calderys, HWI, benefited from numerous significant investments demonstrating the Group’s commitment to global competitiveness and development in the Americas region. These capital investments, as well as the successful integration of Calderys and HWI, now the brand for the Americas region of the Group, benefit customers, company growth, and industry advancements. In less than a year - under new ownership and combining with Calderys - HWI, a Member of Calderys, is fulfilling its commitment to invest in its operations with consequential upgrades at numerous North American manufacturing facilities. Additional investment projects are planned for 2024. Investments across the Americas reinforce Calderys...
