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.
“2020 will be a year of transition during which producers are likely to behave prudently, looking for productivity gains and decisions based on long term investment strategies” - Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. Executive President, STAS Inc
STAS Inc. is a Canadian company specialised in the development, fabrication and commercialisation of process equipment for the global aluminium industry. Aluminium producers that can benefit from STAS technologies range from primary smelters to secondary foundries to aluminium mills and extruders. In the past 30 years, STAS has achieved the world leadership in supplying equipment and improving aluminium productivity and quality. Let us now hear out from the company’s P.Eng. Executive President, Louis Bouchard, who has shared his projection for the aluminium industry of 2020. He believes this year will be an important year for aluminium equipment supplier. He also thinks leadership and innovation-driven production in the Gulf (GCC) is likely to continue this year as energy resources are...
“The certification from ASI Performance Standard is confirming our efforts and goes hand in hand with Hydro’s ambitions of lifting profitability and driving sustainability” - Hilde Merete Aasheim, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro
Norsk Hydro ASA is a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, headquartered in Oslo. It is one of the largest aluminium companies worldwide, with operations across 50 countries. Starting from bauxite and alumina, Hydro produces low-carbon aluminium, extruded profiles, building systems, precision tubes, rolled products, and casthouse products. Besides, the company has reckoned a name in the industry by offering a variety of services with unmatched capability and knowledge. It currently has 16 ASI certified extrusion and fabrication facilities. We are grateful to have Hydro with us in our flagship e-magazine LeaderSpeak 2020, where the company’s President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim has shared about the new plans and strategies for 2020 and also the futuristic view for the time to...
“2020 will definitely be a key milestone in the deployment of the Fives digital solutions in various sectors,” - Mr Sébastien GAUGUIER, Head of Fives, Aluminium Division
Fives is an industrial engineering group specialised in designing, supplying machines, and processing equipment and production lines for the world’s largest industrial groups, including the aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement, and energy sectors. Located in nearly 30 countries and with nearly 8,700 employees, it is known for its technological expertise and competence in executing international projects. It is our pleasure to have with us the company’s aluminium business head Mr Sébastien GAUGUIER, who has shared the company’s performance projection and a few thumb rules for sustainable and carbon-free aluminium smelting process in 2020. He has also spoken about the expected impact of digitization in the time to come and the new digital solutions to be...
LME aluminium price recorded a fall of US$10/t; SHFE continued to decline to RMB13,580/t
The US dollar declined last Friday as downbeat US economic data grew concerns that the coronavirus outbreak has taken a toll on the US economy. Three-month LME aluminium pared some losses after it broke down US$ 1,710 per tonne, ending 0.06% lower on the day at US$ 1,711 per tonne. A softened US dollar is expected to keep LME aluminium between US$ 1690 per tonne and US$ 1730 per tonne. As of Friday, February 21, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1676 per tonne after declining significantly by US$ 10 per tonne from the previous day, while LME official settlement price dropped to US$ 1677 per tonne from US$ 1687 per tonne. 3-months bid price came in at US$ 1702 per tonne and 3-months offer price at US$ 1703 per tonne. Dec 21 bid price stood at US$ 1833 per tonne and Dec 21 offer...
Century Aluminium posts a 2% quarterly growth in shipments in Q4 2019; Net sales decreased by 1%
Century Aluminium, on Friday, February 21, announced a 2 per cent quarterly rise in primary aluminium shipments in Q4 2019 and 8 per cent year-on-year growth in the whole of 2019. In Q4, the shipments totalled at 202,870 tonnes compared with 198,543 tonnes in Q3, while that in the entire 2019 came in at 811,244 tonnes in comparison with 749,850 tonnes. The company also mentioned that its net sales in Q4 decreased by 1 per cent from $438 million in Q3 to $435.5 million, primarily attributing to lower LME prices partially offset by higher volume and product premiums. In the whole year also, net sales decreased by 3 per cent from $ 1,893.2 million in 2018 to $1,836.6 million. Century’s net loss in Q4 2019 was $4.8 million or $0.05 per share, while that in the whole year $80.8 million or...
US aluminium scrap imports from Canada grew 7.73% M-o-M, but dropped Y-o-Y by 5.69%
According to the USGS data, the United States aluminium scrap imports from Canada continued to rise in October, totalling at 34,800 tonnes. Month-on-month, the import amount rose by 7.73 per cent or 2,500 tonnes by volume, as the US in September had imported 32,300 tonnes of aluminium scrap from Canada. The import in August was 31,000 tonnes, meaning the month-on-month rise in September was 4.19 per cent or 1,300 tonnes by volume. In August, however, the country had recorded a monthly drop in scrap imports from Canada by about 8 per cent or 2,700 tonnes from 33,700 tonnes in July. Year-on-year, the United States aluminium scrap imports from Canada, however, dropped in October by 5.69 per cent or 2,100 tonnes from 33,700 tonnes during the same period last year. During January-October 2019,...
Aluminium billet inventories further expanded by 22,500t on lower consumptions by end-users
Shanghai Metals Market found a further rise in 6063 aluminium billet inventories across five major consumption areas on Thursday, February 20. According to the data, the stocks rose by 22,500 tonnes over the week to come in at 193,100. On last Thursday, February 13, the billet stocks increased by 23,800 tonnes from February 6 to stand at 170,600 tonnes. The steady arrivals of stocks amidst low consumptions by aluminium end-users due to production curtail or suspension for the epidemic coronavirus outbreak boosted the billet stocks. The below chart indicates the current status of aluminium billet inventories across the major Chinese cities in more details: In Foshan and Wuxi, the inventories this week rose by 6,100 tonnes and 12,300 tonnes to stand at 72,500 tonnes and 41,300 tonnes,...
Average alumina spot price rallies by RMB7/t, while A00 aluminium ingot price extends drop by RMB50/t
The average alumina spot price in China has further rallied by RMB 7 per tonne to RMB 2,510 per tonne, on Friday, February 21, according to Shanghai Metals Market. This marks the fourth consecutive rise in the alumina spot price. With the continued growth, the price stands higher by RMB 56 per tonne month-on-month. In the north and central China, the price has gained by RMB 10 per tonne and RMB 5 per tonne to RMB 2,530 per tonne and RMB 2,515 per tonne, but in the east and south the price has remained restrained at RMB 2,510 per tonne and RMB 2,520 per tonne, respectively. The Australian alumina FOB price shows no change on February 21, after a rise yesterday straight from US$ 285 per tonne to US$ 299 per tonne. The incessant growth in Chinese alumina price could be attributed to the...
Chinese Aluminium FRPs operating rates declined 9.22 percentage points in January; February to see the lowest drop in 3 years
Shanghai Metals Market estimates a drop of 10 percentage points in operating rates of aluminium sheet, plate and strip manufacturers in February, to the lowest when compared to the same month in the past three years. The average FRPs operating rates in January declined by 9.22 percentage points month-on-month and 2.6 percentage points year-on-year to 62.3 per cent in January. Large-scale producers saw a decrease of 9.84 percentage points, while medium and small-scale manufacturers witnessed a plunge of 9.25 and 11.72 percentage points, respectively. Most of the producers remained shut a week more than previously expected due to the coronavirus outbreak, as they could not resume operation unless the local authorities approved. But still the producers saw their capacity utilisation rates...
Ten Alcoa facilities receive ASI Certification under Performance & Chain of Custody Standard
Alcoa, on Wednesday, February 19, announced that it received certification from Aluminium Stewardship Initiative under ASI Performance Standard and also Chain of Custody Standard. The company said Mosjøen smelting facility received certification against ASI Performance Standard, while the 10 other facilities in Australia, Canada, Spain, and Norway, including bauxite mining operations, alumina refining facilities, and smelting facilities received ASI CoC Standard certification. ASI has the industry’s most comprehensive system for third-party certification of sustainable manufacturing processes. The ASI Performance Standard defines the environmental, social, and governance principles and criteria, aiming to address sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain. The CoC Standard...
Three-month LME rallied to US$1,725/t amidst US dollar hike to three-year high; SHFE decreased by US$8/t
The US dollar rose on Wednesday to near a three-year high against a basket of other currencies, as a decline in the number of new coronavirus cases in China and expectations for more stimulus measures boosted investors’ appetite for risk. Three-month LME aluminium rallied after fell to a session low of US$ 1,710 per tonne, ending up 0.2 per cent on the day at US$ 1,725 per tonne. Both open interest and transaction volumes shrank. A strong US dollar is likely to keep LME aluminium between US$ 1,710 per tonne to US$ 1,750 per tonne today, February 20. As of Wednesday, February 19, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1684 per tonne after rising by US$ 3.5 per tonne from US$ 1680.5 per tonne on the previous day, while LME official settlement price rose from US$ 1681 per tonne to US$...
SMM estimates alumina prices to continue growing in the near term
According to Shanghai Metals Market survey, alumina prices are likely to extend growth in the near term, as production cut in refineries is increasing, and so is the imbalance between demand and supply on the continued virus impact. The amount of capacity cut at Chinese alumina refineries due to the coronavirus outbreak has increased to 4.6 million tonnes per year. Thus, the domestic alumina capacity in operation has reduced to 62.21 million tonnes per year, as of February 18, found SMM. In Shanxi, about 3.8 million tonnes per year of capacity has been reduced, while that in Henan 200,000 tonnes per year. The shortage of domestic bauxite and coal gas has also been responsible for the alumina production cut. An alumina refinery in Xiaoyi at Shanxi province has scaled back operations and...
China announces to exempt tariffs on aluminium scrap and other products imported from US
China, on Tuesday, February 18, announced that it would accept applications for new tariff exemptions on aluminium and other metal scraps, besides 696 other products imported from the United States. Those products include some key agricultural and energy items and also denatured ethanol, wheat, corn, and sorghum. Firms seeking exemptions on the tariffs can submit applications from March 1, said the finance ministry, adding that the exemptions granted would be valid for one year. These exemptions are the third and most substantial set to be granted to date by China since the start of the trade dispute with the United States. According to the report, the primary purpose of waiving the tariffs by China is to achieve the purchase deal of $200 billion worth US products, as agreed and signed in...
AAL delivers 85.3-metre all-aluminium hull to a world premium yacht builder
Singapore-headquartered global multipurpose shipping operator, AAL, has reportedly delivered an 85.3-metre all-aluminium yacht hull, after completing the manufacture on time and within budget, following the specifications of cargo stakeholders. The hull is en route from Humen in South China to Henderson in West Australia, aboard the 19,000 bdwt S-Class MPV the AAL Dampier. Upon reaching the destination, the 85-metre structure will join a 1,550dwt state-of-the-art superyacht by one of the world’s premier yacht builders, whose name is unfortunately not released. The yacht would have a helicopter pad, 8 ensuite cabins across 5 decks, along with more accommodation for approximately 21 crews. The vessel is able to comfortable reach at the speed of up to 24 knot. AAL stated, “Utilising the AAL...
Average alumina spot price in China extends growth by RMB7/t, but A00 aluminium ingot price shows restraint
The average alumina spot price in China has extended its rise by RMB 7 per tonne to RMB 2,493 per tonne, as of Wednesday, January 19, according to Shanghai Metals Market. The growth rate is 28 per cent, higher than the previous day. This month has been seeing a positive trend in the alumina spot price as it has rallied from RMB 2,454 per tonne to RMB 2,493 per tonne, with only two intermittent restraints. In the east and north, the price has increased by RMB 10 per tonne to RMB 2,500 per tonne and RMB 2,510 per tonne, while that in the central and south has remained unchanged at RMB 2,500 per tonne and RMB 2,520 per tonne. The Australian alumina FOB price has also remained restrained at US$ 285 per tonne, as of today, February 19. The average A00 aluminium ingot price in the spot market...
China’s new energy vehicle production in January dropped 52.3% YoY to 48,000 units: SMM
According to Shanghai Metals Market, China’s new energy vehicle production in January 2020 recorded a decline, as producers were shut during the Chinese New Year Holiday, while some of them delayed resumption due to an epidemic outbreak. Many even trimmed output because of continued market weakness. SMM data shows about 48,000 NEVs produced in China obtained qualification certificates in January, down 52.3 per cent from a year ago. Passenger vehicles accounted for 43,000 units and buses 2,700 units. The rest 3,100 units were special vehicles. SMM data reveals a drop in the installation of power batteries as well in January to 2.3 GWh, down 53.5 per cent year on year. As the market since the second half of 2019 remained lacklustre, many electric vehicle battery producers in China began...
M-o-M slowdown in US aluminium semis imports continued in October last year - USGS data shows
The United States had been seeing a slowdown in aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports since July 2019, while October was of no exception. From 105,000 tonnes in September, the import volume in October dropped to 99,800 tonnes, down 5,200 tonnes or 4.95 per cent. In July and August 2019, the United States had imported 117,000 tonnes and 115,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars, representing the fact that the country’s imports in August were down by 2,000 tonnes by volume or 1.7 per cent. In September, the downfall was higher, recording a drop of 10,000 tonnes by volume or 8.69 per cent. Year-on-year, the United States imports in October registered a fall of 16.13 per cent or 19,200 tonnes by volume. In October 2018, the United States imports of aluminium plates, sheets and...
BMW implements new system at Dingolfing press shop for fully recycling aluminium sheet waste
German automaker BMW AG has reportedly invested 6.5 million euros in the technical retrofitting of its Dingolfing press shop for the implementation of a new system to accomplish the goal of fully recycling its scrap aluminium waste. The new system enables the press shop to separate and recycle aluminium sheet waste to turn it into reusable products for the industry. It can also save CO2 emission of around 120,000 tonnes per annum. During the production of car components in the press shop, there is always a generation of sheet metal waste, out of which the plant’s new recycling equipment automatically can separate aluminium portions by means of scrap chutes. The chutes the deposit the aluminium scraps on a trio of conveyor belts and feed into a machine that presses the scraps into cubes....
