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.
Lviv Brewery unveils CANPACK-produced Christmas special beer cans designed to evoke warmth and joy
Ahead of Christmas and the New Year 2025, the Lviv Brewery, part of the Carlsberg Group in Ukraine, has reportedly launched a special edition of its Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer in aluminium cans to summon the season of cake, carols, and all things fun. ‘Rizdvyane’ means Christmas in the Ukrainian language, which is why this special edition beer is infused with a dash of Christmas spices and a hint of caramel aroma to evoke the warmth of the festive season in every sip and toast. Since CANPACK is behind the craft of the cans, they are produced using the DUOMIX print technology. Finished with matt varnish, Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer cans come in a sleek look, lending a graceful look to your Christmas or New Year party. If you are a football enthusiast or hosting a party for fellow...
Upstream aluminium recap: EU seeks stricter sanctions on Russia; Japan’s Q1 shipment premiums remain high after negotiations
The primary aluminium sector in the upstream industry particularly captured significant attention this week with intriguing news and updates that may lead to a change in decision-making regarding metal buying and selling, investments in projects, and export or import commodities. In case you have missed the stories, here are their briefs. Ten European Union member states have jointly appealed for stricter sanctions on Russian metals, including aluminium. The demand is led by Poland, who will assume the rotating presidency of the European Union Council from January 2025. This initiative aims to curtail Russia’s revenue from metal exports since it is a critical source of income after fossil fuels. To know more:...
Pioneering technology advancements and sustainability initiatives, EGA continues to be a global aluminium leader in 2024
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s leading ‘premium aluminium’ producer, is the first company in the Middle East to have joined the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative and the first one in the UAE to have sold its own industrial technology internationally. Among the many firsts, EGA is also the first company in the UAE to implement the digital tracking system, the first in the world to connect metal quality analysis to LME digitally, and the first to ship bauxite cargo using LNG-fuelled ship, achieved in 2024. So clearly, this Middle East-based company has continued to excel in what it does best – leading and inspiring the global metal industry while pioneering numerous areas of the aluminium sector. Image Source: Emirates Global Aluminium All things first, in 2024 First in the...
A double-digit decline in India's aluminium scrap imports affects the United States Q3 export volume
The third quarter data from the United States Geological Survey shows a sequential fall in the country’s aluminium scrap exports, in line with a decreased volume of scrap recovery during the same period of 2024. A 2 per cent decline in the United States aluminium scrap recovery during Q3 resulted in a 5.7 per cent fall in the export volume. In the third quarter of 2024, the United States aluminium scrap exports stood at 513,000 tonnes, down by 5.7 per cent from 544,000 tonnes in Q2, despite an M-o-M increase in September exports by 5.4 per cent to 177,000 tonnes. In August, the export remained restrained M-o-M at 168,000 tonnes. In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, exports in the September quarter increased by 3.6 per cent from 495,000 tonnes. However, when compared to the third...
China’s alumina price slump on SMM indicates tight supply ease and subdued demand for winter heating season
Today, on December 19, the Shanghai Metals Market has indicated a drop in alumina and aluminium prices. Traditional off-season in China causing lessened demand for primary aluminium among the downstream industry is one of the major factors for sequential aluminium price fall, while production cuts at smelters, especially in the Henan Province, due to the ongoing winter heating season is a reason for downward alumina prices. Alumina prices: According to the SMM price list, China’s domestic alumina price has climbed down the graph by RMB 8 per tonne to stand at RMB 5,757 per tonne. Compared to the previous week, the price is standing at RMB 12 per tonne lower than RMB 5,769 per tonne on December 12. In Henan, alumina price has seen a plunge of RMB 15 per tonne in the context of maximum...
November 2024: China’s unwrought aluminium and aluminium product imports see a double-digit fall Y-o-Y
In November 2024, China imported 280,000 tonnes of aluminium, including unwrought aluminium and aluminium products. The import volume reflected a double-digit fall, precisely 17.6 per cent, according to China customs data. Image Source: iStock Nonetheless, from January to November, the country’s total imports witnessed a 26.2 per cent Y-o-Y rise, amounting to 3.45 million tonnes. Till October 2024, China imported 175,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, up by 27.5 per cent M-o-M but down by 19.3 per cent Y-o-Y. From January to October, the cumulative import volume of primary aluminium was 1.824 million tonnes, up by 55.5 per cent Y-o-Y. In October, Russia was the highest source of China’s primary aluminium imports, accounting for 55.4 per cent. The other two major sources were India and...
ASI certifies Nemak facilities for sustainably producing aluminium automotive components
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has recognised Nemak S.A.B de C.V, a global automotive parts manufacturing company, with its Chain of Custody (Coc) Standard V2 (2022) Certification. The recognition is for aluminium component production for the automotive industry at Nemak Poland SP. Z O.O. and Nemak Slovakia s.r.o. facilities. The certification also covers Nemak’s outsourcing contractors. Both Nemak Poland SP. Z O.O. and Nemak Slovakia s.r.o. facilities produce aluminium automotive components, including engine blocks, transmission cases, e-engine housings, shock towers and battery housings. Nemak’s facilities have obtained the certification after going through a stringent, independent, third-party audit by TÜV Rheinland Cert GmbH. Earlier, in March 2024, the facilities achieved ASI...
ECKART and Runaya form JV to produce sustainable aluminium granules in a new facility in Odisha
ECKART, a leading international manufacturer of metallic and pearlescent pigments for the paints and coatings industry, the graphic arts, plastics, aerated concrete, and cosmetics industries, is reportedly forming a joint venture with Runaya, a notable name in the green aluminium recovery business. Image Source: Energetica India The joint venture firm will establish a facility in Odisha to produce the most sustainable spherical atomised aluminium granules , leveraging India's position as a global hub for low-cost and cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. This new project aligns with the growing demand for atomised aluminium granules in India and the world, catering to high-end applications in aerospace, solar panels, and high-value effect pigments. With sustainability as the cornerstone...
Year-end delivery of backlog orders supports China’s aluminium wire and cable operating rate, bringing it 1.27% higher M-o-M
The comprehensive operating rate of China’s domestic aluminium wire and cable industry in November 2024 saw a month-on-month increase of 1.27 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 10.36 per cent, nearing 60 per cent. The operating rate increased without being impacted by temperature on power grid construction. Instead, resilient demand for distribution network order pickups supported the operating rate. Additionally, the effort behind completing the delivery tasks by year-end ramped up the operations. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the operating rate precisely stood at 59.96 per cent, demonstrating a growth driven by large enterprises with an operating rate of 70.11 per cent. The medium-sized and small enterprises illustrated 56.32 per cent and 40.68 per cent operating rates, both...
Vedanta Aluminium steps closer to sustainability by saving 1.3 million GJ of energy
Vedanta Aluminium has once again proved its leadership in sustainable industrial practices by saving 1.3 million Giga Joules (GJ) of energy, aligned with India’s energy conservation goals. This achievement was possible due to a continuous effort towards enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Image Source: Vedanta Aluminium As per the report, Vedanta has achieved a 10.16 per cent reduction in GHG intensity compared to the 2021 baseline, demonstrating a perpetual dedication towards building a cleaner and more sustainable operational framework. The company has also secured 1.3 GW of renewable energy capacity, stepping closer to sustainable practices. The innovative measures taken by Vedanta for sustainability achievements are as follows: · Vedanta has...
Dual Chinese facilities obtain ASI Chain of Custody Standard Certification for aluminium coil and sheet processing
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has reportedly certified Sanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. against the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for its Zouping Xinsanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. and Shandong Longkou Sanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. facilities. Both facilities have certification for processing aluminium coils and sheets in Shandong Province, China. The facilities collectively produce and supply aluminium tab stock and end stock for the fabrication of ends of beverage and food metal cans, with a combined annual production capacity of about 100,000 tonnes. The facilities have acquired the ASI CoC Standard Certification after conforming to appropriate policies and due diligence processes to identify and address critical issues, such as corruption, human rights abuses,...
Ten EU states call for broader sanctions on Russian aluminium after 15th sanctions package approval on Dec. 16
According to a recent report, ten European Union member states have jointly appealed for stricter sanctions on Russian metals, including aluminium. The demand is led by Poland, who will assume the rotating presidency of the European Union Council from January 2025. Poland joins the Baltic States, Denmark, Ireland, Romania, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Finland. This initiative aims to curtail Russia’s revenue from metal exports since it is a critical source of income after fossil fuels. Poland is playing a prominent role in it as it is expected to prioritise support for Ukraine. Currently, the European Union has sanctions on some specific Russian aluminium products like wire, pipes, and foil, which account for less than 15 per cent of the bloc’s total metal imports. Like the United...
Launching EternAl to achieving 25 million safe working hours, Alba's pathbreaking milestones inspire in 2024
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East and the world's largest smelter ex-China with a production of more than 1.548 million tonnes per annum has achieved several milestones in 2024 and marked many crucial benchmarks for the entire global aluminium industry. From enhancing its Industry 4.0 transformation and entering into strategic partnerships for new ventures to attaining 25 million safe working hours without lost time injury (LTI) and robust profit, Alba has outperformed in all spheres. Image Source: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) Key milestones achieved In May 2024, Aluminium Bahrain launched a new low-carbon aluminium product line called EternAl with two variants: EternAl-30 and EternAl-15. As the names suggest, they have 30 per cent and 15 per cent...
Japanese aluminium buyers settle on new premium, 30% higher than Q4, but lower than previous offer
As the negotiation continued for Japanese aluminium shipment premiums for the first half of 2025, some buyers have agreed to pay less than what was offered by global producers at the end of November 2024. According to a Reuters report, the amount agreed upon by Japanese buyers is $228 per tonne, down by 0.87-12 per cent from the previous offered price of $230-260 per tonne . However, despite the decline, it is the highest premium since 2015 and 30 per cent more than the premium for the ongoing quarter of $175 per tonne. The latest premium for Q1 2025 has also reflected an increase for the fourth consecutive quarter. "Although Japanese domestic demand remains sluggish, we settled at $228 due to overseas supply risks and the possibility that prolonged negotiations could push prices even...
Upstream aluminium recap: US bauxite imports increase in Q3, contributed by Turkey; Russian aluminium grows in LME warehouses
This week, the upstream aluminium industry has seen the release of several significant reports that have the potential to reshape market dynamics and improve operations across all sectors, including bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. For instance, Boddington bauxite mine life to be extended, US crude and dried bauxite imports uptick in Q3 2024, China’s metallurgical grade alumina production sees a growth in November, Russia-origin aluminium share in LME-approved warehouses increases, and a dip in the United States’ Q3 primary aluminium production and scrap recovery. The United States crude and dried bauxite imports continued to increase sequentially in the third quarter of 2024, driven by Turkey with a significantly increased supply of the ore, even higher than the same period of...
Increased tariffs under Section 301 on China impact the United States Q3 aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports
The United States imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars stood below 100,000 tonnes for the two consecutive months in the third quarter of 2024, resulting in a dip in the total import volume through Q3. According to the US Geological Survey, the imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars totalled 300,600 tonnes, significantly down by 11.33 per cent from 339,000 tonnes in Q2 2024. However, annually, imports in Q3 2024 showed a rise of 25.25 per cent from 240,000 tonnes. Also from the first quarter of this year, the import volume stood 3 per cent higher than 291,800 tonnes. It is to be noted that despite the sequential fall in Q3, the import volume stood above the mark of 300,000 tonnes. In September 2024, the country imported 94,100 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price shrinks by RMB100/t overnight on muted demand; Input costs record no change
After two consecutive days of hikes, China's domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has slipped by RMB 100 per tonne to reach RMB 20,320 per tonne on Friday, December 13. Thus, the price has edged a week-on-week decline of RMB 80 per tonne or 0.39 per cent from RMB 20,400 per tonne, primarily due to muted demand in the downstream market as many plants are going for maintenance or reducing operations for lower orders during the traditional off-season. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, today's average prices are expected to range between RMB 20,300 and 20,340 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 20 and a premium price of RMB 20 per tonne. Compared with the previous month's period, China's A00 aluminium ingot price is significantly down by RMB 520 per...
Constellium and Renault Group complete “ISA3” R&D project for a sustainable, lightweight automotive design solution
On Thursday, December 12, Constellium SE, a Paris-based rolled and extruded aluminium products company, announced the successful completion of the "ISA3" R&D project, which brings a lightweight solution to automotive design. Image Source: LinkedIn The project started in 2021 with a grant from the France Relance investment program and in partnership with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine. Upon completion, Constellium has set a benchmark in designing automotive aluminium components that are lightweight, cost-efficient, and recyclable. The significant development in this project is a lightweight aluminium door, using Constellium's uni-alloy 6xxx rolled and extrusion-based solutions. Owing to the design and use of lightweight...
