AlCircle News Edited By "Aranya Mondal"
Aranya Mondal is a content writer with two years of professional experience in business writing, technical writing, web content, editing, and research. She handles content creation and editing for online and offline channels to support brand growth and global engagement.
Aluminium supersedes plastic: a sustainable shift emerging in the US, UK, & Canada
According to PMMI’s 2024 State of the Industry US Packaging Machinery Report, packaging machinery manufacturers are actively innovating to support aluminium and other eco-friendly materials, aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable solutions. This shift comes as sustainability becomes a defining force in reshaping the packaging industry. While the US continues to have less stringent packaging regulations than the European Union, leading companies across North America are increasingly embracing aluminium-based sustainable packaging solutions. Recognised for its recyclability, light weight, and relatively low environmental footprint compared to plastic, aluminium is playing a pivotal role as brands and manufacturers respond to mounting regulatory pressure and evolving...
Odia diaspora in US warns tariffs on India could backfire, fuel inflation and strain ties
The recent imposition of 25 per cent tariffs by the US on Indian exports has sparked concern among the Odia community in North America, with many professionals and entrepreneurs warning of significant economic repercussions. Members of the diaspora argue that the move is likely to increase inflation in the US, disrupt bilateral trade, and undermine India–US relations at a time when global partnerships are increasingly vital. Calling the decision “short-sighted,” Debashis Sahoo, associate professor of computer science, engineering, and paediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, likened it to a self-defeating act. “The tariffs remind me of Kalidasa's branch-cutting metaphor. Experts feel it will harm the US more than India,” he said. The tariffs, which raise the cost of...
LME aluminium cash price drops to $2,544; live warrants rise to 449,300 tonnes
LME aluminium prices declined modestly on Friday, August 1, with both spot and 3-month contracts registering a downward shift compared to the previous session. The LME aluminium cash bid price fell to USD 2,544 per tonne, a 1.38 per cent drop from USD 2,579.5 per tonne on Thursday, July 31. The LME aluminium offer price also edged down 1.36 per cent to USD 2,545 per tonne from USD 2,580 per tonne the day before. Three-month aluminium prices mirrored this trend. The 3-month bid stood at USD 2,546 per tonne, down 1.36 per cent from USD 2,581 per tonne while the offer price fell 1.34 per cent to USD 2,547 per tonne compared to USD 2,581.5 per tonne on July 31. Forward prices for December 26 contracts also declined. The August 1 bid came in at USD 2,593 per tonne, down 1.22 per cent from USD...
Mexico avoids new tariffs for now as US demands sweeping trade reforms
Mexico has secured a 90-day delay on the implementation of new 30 per cent US tariffs on selected imports, following an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. The extension, however, is conditional on Mexico’s commitment to address a broad range of non-tariff trade barriers that have long strained bilateral economic relations. While the delay offers short-term relief, several existing tariffs remain firmly in place. These include a 25 per cent levy on products linked to fentanyl and unauthorized migration, another 25 per cent on automobiles, and a steep 50 per cent tariff on steel, aluminium, and copper. Additionally, the 17.09 per cent countervailing duty on Mexican tomatoes has not been lifted. As part of the agreement, Mexico has...
Ricardo unveils rare-earth-free aluminium EV motor for a greener future
As the automotive industry races toward sustainable mobility, one major challenge persists: the heavy use of rare earth materials in electric vehicles (EVs). These materials, widely used in motors and batteries, come with significant environmental costs, including global warming and ozone layer depletion. But a breakthrough from UK-based environmental engineering firm Ricardo promises a cleaner path forward. Image for representational purpose The company has unveiled a prototype electric propulsion motor, dubbed the Alumotor , which eliminates the need for rare-earth magnets and replaces copper with aluminium without compromising efficiency or performance. A new approach to EV design While EVs are often seen as eco-friendly, their reliance on rare earths and critical raw materials...
Aluminium slips on tariffs—but is a rebound likely as China’s demand picks up?
Aluminium futures slipped on Friday, with August contracts on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) trading at INR 249.30, down 0.46 per cent, after the Trump administration announced a fresh round of tariffs scheduled to take effect within a week. On the London Metal Exchange (LME), three-month aluminium contracts also declined by about 1.4 per cent to USD 2,565 per tonne. Despite the near-term dip, analysts remain optimistic about the metal’s outlook. Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President – Research at Religare Broking, pointed to rising Chinese demand and tightening global supply as key supportive factors. He added that progress in US–China trade negotiations and Beijing’s recent approval of a massive CNY 1.2 trillion hydroelectric dam project are likely to drive sustained industrial...
Vedanta Q1: Profit down 13%, aluminium underperforms! So, how did EBITDA hit a record?
Vedanta Limited missed quarterly profit estimates for the first quarter of FY26, as weaker aluminium and copper prices, coupled with a sharp increase in tax expenses, weighed on earnings. Despite strong domestic demand and robust operational performance across its business segments, the metals-to-oil conglomerate saw its bottom line shrink. Image source: Vedanta In Q1 FY26, Vedanta reported a consolidated net profit of INR 4,457 crore, down 13 per cent from INR 5,095 crore in the same quarter last year. This decline came even as revenue rose 6 per cent year-on-year to INR 37,434 crore, up from INR 35,239 crore in Q1 FY25, supported by higher product premiums and favourable foreign exchange movements. The dip in profit was primarily driven by a steep rise in tax expenses, which nearly...
Alba reaches 38 million safe working hours without LTI, up from 37 million in June
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on a single site, has achieved a major safety milestone by recording 38 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of 31 July 2025. Image Source: Alba PR and Instagram This marks a 1 million-hour increase from 27 June 2025 , when Alba reported 37 million LTI-free hours, demonstrating the company’s sustained commitment to workplace safety. The accomplishment highlights Alba’s strong safety culture and proactive risk management systems. In comparison, data published in June 2022 showed just 20 million safe hours without LTI, marking a significant improvement. Alba Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali stated, “This tremendous achievement of 38 million safe working hours without LTI is a testament to...
From Canada to Europe - a noticeable shift in US aluminium sourcing
Canadian aluminium smelters are sharply reducing primary metal exports to the US following an escalation in tariffs under the Trump administration. Beginning in March 2025, the US reinstated a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian aluminium, which was then unexpectedly doubled to 50 per cent in June, causing significant disruption to established trade flows and leaving Canadian exporters little time to adjust. Major producers such as Alcoa Corp have led this shift by diverting more than 100,000 metric tons of Canadian aluminium away from US buyers to alternative global markets, mainly in Europe. This pivot has been facilitated by the fact that approximately 30 per cent of Alcoa's Canadian production is not bound by annual contracts, allowing flexible redirection to more favourable markets....
LME aluminium cash price rises to $2,610/t on July 30; opening stock up 0.93%
Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices saw modest gains on July 30 compared to the previous day, while inventories also edged up. The LME aluminium cash bid price rose to USD 2,610 per tonne, up 0.11 per cent from USD 2,607 per tonne on July 29. The cash offer price moved up 0.08 per cent to USD 2,611 per tonne from USD 2609 per tonne. The 3-month bid price climbed 0.27 per cent to USD 2,614 per tonne, while the offer price increased 0.27 per cent to USD 2,615 per tonne. Also read: Rio Tinto’s H1 2025 net earnings fall 22% amid tariff impact and higher capex For December 26 contracts, the bid price advanced 0.23 per cent to USD 2,658 per tonne from USD 2652 per tonne from the previous day and the offer price also gained 0.23 per cent to USD 2,663 per tonne. Meanwhile, the LME 3-month Asian...
Rio Tinto’s H1 2025 net earnings fall 22% amid tariff impact and higher capex
Rio Tinto reported a mixed set of financial results for the first half of 2025, as softer commodity prices, surging capital expenditure, and steep US aluminium tariffs weighed on its performance. Image source: Rio Tinto The company reported net cash generated from operating activities of USD 6,924 million, down 1.9 per cent from USD 7,056 million in H1 2024, reflecting margin compression and elevated cost pressures. Free cash flow declined sharply to USD 1,962 million, a 31 per cent fall from USD 2,843 million a year earlier, primarily due to a significant rise in investment. Capital expenditure, including purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangible assets rose to USD 4,734 million, up from USD 4,018 million in H1 2024. Sales revenue remained largely flat at USD 26,873...
With services PMI at 53.5 in July, can Japan rely on domestic demand amid export struggles?
A trade agreement between Japan and the US in July 2025 provided partial tariff relief, but ongoing challenges particularly in aluminium and auto parts continued to weigh on Japan’s manufacturing output. While services accelerated domestic demand, the country’s industrial base remained under pressure amid evolving global trade dynamics. The S&P Global Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 48.8 in July, dipping below the crucial 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction. This marked a reversal from June’s 50.1, the first expansion reading in over a year. Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence Annabel Fiddes said, “Business activity across Japan's private sector continued to expand at the start of the third quarter, fuelled by...
Constellium posts $4.1B H1 revenue amid profit slump; lifts 2025 EBITDA outlook to $650M
Constellium SE delivered a mixed financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2025, as solid revenue growth was overshadowed by steep declines in profitability, margins, and cash flow. Image Source: constellium.com Constellium’s Q2 2025 revenue rose 10.5 per cent year-over-year to USD 2.1 billion, supported by favourable pricing, currency effects, and modest volume gains. Shipments increased 1.6 per cent to 384 thousand metric tons, driven mainly by strong performance in the Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products (P&ARP) segment. However, profitability deteriorated sharply. Net income fell 53.2 per cent to USD 36 million, and adjusted EBITDA dropped 37.3 per cent to USD 146 million, largely due to a significant swing in metal price lag, which shifted from a USD 45...
Tariff-for-tariff? Ford pressures Ottawa as US deadline nears
As the clock ticks toward an August 1 trade deadline, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pressuring the federal government to respond decisively to escalating US tariffs. Ford has urged Ottawa to impose matching 50 per cent tariffs on American steel and aluminium, should talks fail to produce a new bilateral deal. Speaking at Queen’s Park on Monday, Ford said, “We are working on Aug 1 and we will see what comes from that. But I have always taken the approach dollar-for-dollar and tariff-for-tariff. If he (Trump) wants to attack our hardworking steel workers and aluminium workers, then we have to meet that 50 per cent tariff.” His comments come in response to US President Donald Trump’s threat of an additional 35 per cent tariff on a wider list of Canadian goods, a move that would add to the...
LME Aluminium cash drops to $2,632; Platts alumina unchanged near $369.39
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) edged lower on July 28 compared to July 25, with both spot and futures contracts showing a marginal decline. The cash bid price fell 0.92 per cent from USD 2,656.5 per tonne on July 25 to USD 2,632 per tonne on July 28, while the cash offer also slipped 0.92 per cent to USD 2,632.5 per tonne. Similarly, 3-month contracts saw modest downward movement. The 3-month bid price dropped from USD 2,655.5 per tonne to USD 2,631.5 per tonne, while the offer price eased from USD 2,656 per tonne to USD 2,632 per tonne, both marking a decrease of approximately 0.90 per cent. Forward prices also weakened. The December 26 bid price dipped 0.86 per cent to USD 2,665 per tonne, and the offer price slid 0.86 per cent to USD 2,670 per tonne, down from USD...
Vedanta Aluminium boosts PFA capacity by 120 KTPA to power India’s auto & EV growth
Vedanta Aluminium, a key player in India’s metal and resource sector, has expanded the installed capacity of its Primary Foundry Alloy (PFA) unit by 120 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA) at its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) facility in Jharsuguda, Odisha. This move aims to strengthen India’s position in the global automotive and engineering aluminium markets. Image source: Vedanta Aluminium Primary Foundry Alloys are critical for manufacturing essential automotive components such as alloy wheels, engine blocks, cylinder heads, and transmission housings. Known for their superior castability, strength, and thermal conductivity, PFAs are tailored to meet stringent fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Vedanta’s offerings comply with global benchmarks including BS-VI and CAFE norms, making them a...
With 55.3% profit surge, Premier Energies eyes 10 GW solar buildout
Premier Energies, an Indian solar manufacturer, has reported a robust performance for the first quarter of FY2025–26, posting a net profit of INR 307.8 crore, a 55.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from INR 198.2 crore in the same period last year. Revenue rose 9.9 per cent YoY to INR 1,820.7 crore, driven by strong operational performance and high capacity utilisation. Solar cell manufacturing utilisation reached 94 per cent, while solar module capacity stood at 77 per cent during the quarter. As of June 30, 2025, the company held a strong domestic order book of 5,545 MW valued at INR 8,603 crore. Of this, 60 per cent is allocated to solar modules, 39 per cent to solar cells, and the remaining 0.6 per cent to EPC services. Also read: Next-gen solar panels built for Rajasthan heat...
No carbon relief in UK trade deal — is India’s aluminium industry at risk?
India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, signed with hopes of unlocking duty-free market access, has come under fire from trade experts and industry leaders for omitting carbon tax exemptions. This omission, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), could undermine Indian exports worth USD 775 million annually, including key commodities like aluminium, steel, fertiliser, and cement, starting in 2027. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said, "From January 2027, the UK can impose carbon taxes on Indian steel and aluminium, even as we grant UK goods duty-free access. That's a serious asymmetry." The UK plans to roll out its own Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), following the European Union's lead, to tax high-carbon imports. This border levy will apply to sectors...
