AlCircle News Edited By "Debanjali Sengupta"
Debanjali Sengupta is a passionate content writer with 10 years of experience in Business writing, Web Content writing, Blogging, Editing and Research. She is responsible for generating and editing content for AlCircle Newsletter and other online and offline content for enhancing the brand value and its visibility among global users.
South India aluminium manufacturer caught by BIS for illegal operations, risking jail or fine
The Bureau of Indian Standards recently conducted another raid at an aluminium alloy ingot manufacturing facility in Sipcot Industrial Park, Vallam Vadagal, Sriperumbudur, for operating without the necessary permits. As per the report, the company has been producing and selling aluminium alloy ingots without the required ISI mark and valid licenses. The raid took place on March 18 under Section 28 of the BIS Act, 2016, in response to violation of the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys (Quality Control) Order, 2023. The company was found to be in breach of Section 17 of the BIS Act. As a result, BIS Chennai branch head G. Bhavani said the penalty could be imprisonment for up to two years or a fine extending up to 10 times the value of the manufactured products. This raid follows a series of...
Impact or no impact on India’s $1 billion aluminium exports due to Trump’s tariffs? Discover here…
The ongoing debate about the impact of the Trump administration's tariff increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on India's aluminium exports is generating considerable discussion. While various industry leaders offer different viewpoints, it is essential to understand India's current aluminium export relations with the United States. According to the data revealed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's aluminium exports to the US were valued at US$946 million during 2023-24, following USD 1,097 million worth of exports in 2022-23. Image source: Vedanta Official trade data suggests India's aluminium export value to the US exceeded USD 1 billion for two consecutive years. In 2021-22, the value reached USD 1.1 billion, marking a sharp rise of 117.5 per cent Y-o-Y, compared to...
After US, India now slaps China with an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil exports
China is facing multiple duties on its aluminium exports from various countries. After facing a hefty tariff of 45 per cent from the United States, China is now targeted with a provisional anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 619 to USD 873 per tonne from India. The news came on Monday, March 17, when India's Ministry of Finance revealed the duties on Chinese aluminium foil imports. According to the gazette notification, the duty will apply to aluminium foils of up to 80 microns, excluding foils under 5.5 microns used for non-capacitor applications. India declared the duty after preliminary findings of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which indicated an injury to the domestic industry due to the excessive imports of Chinese aluminium foils. According to world trade data,...
Hydro hosts groundbreaking ceremony for its recycling plant in Torija, Spain
On Monday, March 17, Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro held a groundbreaking ceremony for its cutting-edge recycling plant in Torija, Spain. The EUR 180 million project is a key part of Hydro's circular economy strategy, focused on using more post-consumer scrap. It also aligns with Hydro's goal of expanding its low-carbon aluminium offerings in Europe. Image source: Hydro Through this new plant, Hydro aims to maximise the recycling of aluminium scrap , keeping it within Europe rather than allowing it to be exported. Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President of Hydro Aluminium Metal, has rightly explained that aluminium scrap is energy in solid form. Therefore, it makes sense to utilise this resource domestically, particularly when European countries are...
Hulamin's 2024 earnings struggle despite aluminium can body demand recovery; new strategies in place for 2025
On Monday, March 17, Hulamin, a South African company specialised in producing rolled and extruded aluminium products, reported bearish annual earnings that ended December 31 2024, alleging operational challenges as a primary cause for constraint. According to Hulamin CEO Meganathan Gounder, operational challenges and persistent pricing pressure in certain streams, such as export can stock and standards, offset the earnings improvement despite robust demand in the local market, particularly for can body. He said in a statement , "The 2024 financial year began with promise as market conditions showed significant improvement, particularly in the export segments. Demand recovery brought renewed opportunities, although pricing pressures in certain streams, such as export can stock and...
Donald Trump reminds no exemptions to be granted from reciprocal tariffs on April 2
A reminder from President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 16: no exemptions will be granted to countries that have imposed counter-tariffs on the United States. As previously announced by the President, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, and the European Union would face reciprocal duties starting in early April. Last month, Trump increased tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to 25 per cent with no exceptions. In response, the affected countries imposed heavy duties on US goods. Starting April 2, it is Trump's turn to retaliate by imposing tariffs on those countries, aiming to level up the playing field and protect American industries. Trump stated the US would impose tit-for-tat tariffs, matching those imposed by other countries—nothing less, nothing more. He also emphasised that the...
Improved profitability contributes generously to China’s aluminium production hike
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s aggregated aluminium production through January and February 2025 amounted to 7.32 million tonnes, reflecting about 3 per cent growth year-on-year from 7.1 million tonnes. The higher Y-o-Y output could be attributed to the improved profitability of aluminium smelters in China, owing to contracted alumina prices, thanks to the ease of supply constraints. The most active alumina contract (SAOc1) on the Shanghai Futures Exchange fell over the first two months this year, ending at RMB 3,363 (USD464.81) per tonne as of February 28, down by 28 per cent from a peak of RMB 4,700 (USD 649.36) per tonne on January 2. There is a further projection of China’s primary aluminium ingot price hike through the upcoming months, further supporting the...
Rusal’s 2024 operational and financial performances neither touched by bans nor by surging alumina prices
Russian aluminium boycott by Western countries, drop in product sales, particularly primary aluminium and alloys, and increased alumina costs – nothing could stop Rusal from experiencing a growth in profit in 2024. According to the company’s annual financial and operational results released on Friday, March 14, Rusal’s net profit in 2024 saw a leap of 184.75 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 282 million to USD 803 million, driven by higher prices of aluminium in the global market. The company’s gross profit stood at USD 2,821 million, up by 59.56 per cent from USD 1,768 million. Rusal’s aluminium and alumina production also successfully navigated high alumina costs, recording year-on-year growth of 3.7 per cent and 25.27 per cent. In 2024, the company produced 3.992 million tonnes of aluminium,...
“We recognise that exemptions are not easily granted. Despite the challenges, it remains crucial to maintain open communication with US counterparts,” Helin Öcal & Djibril René from European Aluminium
Like us, you may also be concerned about the impact of the US aluminium and steel tariffs on cross-border trade dynamics. With numerous questions and uncertainties in mind, we reached out to Helin Öcal, Trade Manager, and Djibril René, Director of Industry & Market Intelligence at European Aluminium. They were patient in explaining the potential consequences of the 25 per cent tariffs while reassuring us that talks and negotiations would continue and solutions would likely emerge, as the aluminium industry cannot function without international supply chains. They also highlighted that new trade flow patterns would surface if the tariffs persist. It is now crucial to observe how governments and companies choose to respond. Stay tuned to the full interview with Ms Öcal and Mr Djibril René...
Upstream recap: Historic week with 25% US tariffs on aluminium & steel into effect and ceasefire talks between Ukraine & Russia
The global aluminium industry is currently grappling with significant challenges owing to the recently imposed tariffs on aluminium and steel by the United States. While the entire value chain is affected, it is the primary aluminium sector that is most shaken by the fluctuating nature of these tariffs. Donald Trump’s inconsistent approach to tariffs has left the industry puzzled. This week, his back-and-forth announcements—including a declaration to double tariffs on Canada, followed by a sudden reversal—have only added to the confusion. At the onset of the global tariffs on aluminium and steel, Donald Trump announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on Canadian aluminium imports, raising them from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, effective immediately. However, just hours later, the President...
Here’s how China has responded to Donald Trump’s latest 25% tariffs on aluminium and steel imports
On Wednesday, March 12, Donald Trump's global tariffs on aluminium and steel took effect. Nearly all the United States' trade allies have faced a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium exports, except China. It is the only country whose aluminium and steel products are subject to higher tariffs, with a total rate of 45 per cent. This comes as a result of a 20 per cent across-the-board duty imposed much before March 12, followed by the latest additional 25 per cent tariff. Image soure: Freepik What is China's reaction to it? The country has vowed to implement retaliatory measures in response to Donald Trump's latest 25 per cent tariff imposed on its aluminium and steel exports to the United States. During a press conference, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said, "China will...
2024: EGA posts a 2% revenue growth aligned with record-high alumina and aluminium production
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, revealed its financial and operational results for 2024, showcasing increased revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, driven by higher alumina and hot metal production, cost optimisation, and increased share of value-added product sales. A notable rise in low-carbon CelestiAL aluminium production and secondary metal output was another key highlight in the results. Financial and operational results EGA reported that its annual revenue increased by 1.69 per cent in 2024, amounting to AED 30 billion ($8.2 billion) versus AED 29.5 billion ($8.0 billion) in 2023. The company’s Adjusted EBITDA was AED 9.2 billion ($2.5 billion), reflecting a surge of 19.48 per cent from AED 7.7 billion ($2.1 billion), attributed to higher...
From doubling tariffs to retreating by Donald Trump, a strange day in the global aluminium industry
US President Donald Trump is keeping the global aluminium market on edge for sure with his eccentric decisions on tariffs. For the first time in history, a single day saw both the announcement and the reversal of tariffs. On Tuesday, March 11, the President announced his plan to double tariffs on Canada to 50 per cent, with immediate effect—only to retract his decision moments later. Why at all did Mr President decide to raise tariffs, escalating the ongoing trade tensions with his neighbouring country, and then what led him to backtrack so quickly? Donald Trump's decision to double aluminium tariffs on Canada followed Ontario's announcement to place a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity, a move that could serve as a hurtful retaliatory measure potentially impacting three big US states:...
Two contrast sequences set to boost China’s aluminium smelters’ profitability, offsetting tariff losses. What are they?
Good news is on the horizon for China's domestic aluminium smelters, as they are poised to see higher profits due to two contrasting sequences – 1) a drop in alumina prices and 2) an increase in primary aluminium prices driven by increased demand in the solar energy and automobile sectors. According to the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) survey, China's domestic alumina prices have decreased to RMB 3,357 per tonne (USD 462.36 per tonne) as of March 11 from a record high of RMB 5,770 per tonne (USD795 per tonne) in 2024. Image - Chinalco smelter Going forward, China's average alumina price in the spot market is likely to reach even below RMB 3,000 per tonne, the weakest since the end of 2023, as projected by Zhang Meng, an analyst with AZ China Ltd. This shift in Chinese aluminium raw...
Ardagh's strong 2024 fiscal year, marked by 2% revenue growth, highlights robust can shipments and comprehensive strategy
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), a global leader in supplying sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans, has reported strong financial outcomes for 2024, supported by robust operations and a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Image source: Ardagh Metal Packaging Backed by 4 per cent growth in European beverage can shipments and 2 per cent in American shipments, the Luxembourg-headquartered company achieved a revenue of $4,908 million in 2024, up by 2 per cent Y-o-Y from $4,812 million in 2023. The European business unit contributed USD 2,161 million to the Group's annual revenue, while the Americas business unit added USD 2,747 million. Ardagh's Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12 per cent from $600 million to $672 million, resulting in a minimised loss per share. According to the...
World alumina production in January 2025 impacted by South America, Europe, Oceania and China
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) survey, the world alumina production (including chemical-grade alumina) in January 2025 showed a slight month-on-month decline, totalling 12.83 million tonnes versus 12.852 million tonnes in December 2024. Probing into the output A closer look at the monthly alumina production reveals that metallurgical-grade alumina output remained stable at 12.111 million tonnes in January 2025, compared to 12.116 million tonnes in December 2024. Chemical-grade alumina production, on the other hand, registered a 2.31 per cent fall M-o-M from 736,000 tonnes to 719,000 tonnes, leading to a downfall of overall alumina production in January.The world’s daily average metallurgical-grade alumina production in January 2025 was 390,700 tonnes, compared to...
US Commerce Department finalises anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese aluminium containers
The US Department of Commerce has reportedly determined the excessive imports of disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China sold at unfairly low prices in the US market. As a result, the department has set final anti-dumping duties ranging from 193.90 per cent to 287.80 per cent, along with countervailing duties of 317.85 per cent. This decisive action, backed by the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA), will be applicable to imports entering the US 90 days before the preliminary rulings, addressing a significant rise in Chinese imports. The findings of insurmountable volumes of imports stemmed from an investigation after petitions being filed by AFCMA and some of its members for seeking relief. Further investigations will take place by the US...
US aluminium premiums spike to a record $900/t, fueling hope for Novelis’ bottom line boost. But how?
The soaring price premiums for aluminium on the physical market in the United States are believed to benefit Novelis, the US subsidiary of Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Hindalco Industries. A Reuters report on March 5 highlighted that aluminium premium prices in the US physical market surged to a record high of $900 per tonne, up nearly 60 per cent since the start of 2025, on the account of looming threats of 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel imports by the Trump administration. This increase in the so-called Midwest premium over the LME prices is set to boost Novelis' bottom line. Utsav Verma, Head of Research - Institutional Equities, Choice Broking also confirmed that the immediate impact of aluminum tariffs by the US could be positive for Novelis, as the spike in US aluminium...
