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.
US aluminium market shift: 11.5% drop in primary production but 6.78% increase in scrap recovery during H1 2024
In the first half of 2024, the United States experienced a sharp fall of 39,000 tonnes or 11.50 per cent in its primary aluminium production compared to the same period of the previous year. The drop was consistent each month, averaging a decrease of 7,000 tonnes to 8,000 tonnes per month from January to June 2024. The United States' total production of primary aluminium through the first half of 2024 amounted to 339,000 tonnes versus 378,000 tonnes a year ago. In June 2024, the United States' primary aluminium production was 55,000 tonnes, down by 7,000 tonnes or 11.29 per cent from 62,000 tonnes a year ago. On a month-on-month basis, the output dropped by 2,000 tonnes from 57,000 tonnes. In the second quarter of 2024, the output amounted to 167,000 tonnes, down by 5,000 tonnes from...
Q2 2024: US bauxite imports decline 28% Y-o-Y in response to reduced primary aluminium production
The United States bauxite imports in the second quarter of 2024 decreased year-on-year in response to a lower demand for raw materials on account of reduced output of primary aluminium during the same period. According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States' bauxite imports fell 28 per cent Y-o-Y, while primary aluminium production dropped 12 per cent in Q2 2024. The annual drop in the United States Q2 bauxite import volume also led to a fall in the total imports through H1 2024. From 1.2 million tonnes in H1 2023, the United States bauxite imports decreased to 1.03 million tonnes in H1 2024, reflecting a 14.17 per cent Y-o-Y fall. In Q2 2024, the United States bauxite imports stood at 527,000 tonnes, down by 28 per cent from 733,000 tonnes in Q2 2023. However, on a...
NBS shows the highest growth in China’s monthly aluminium production for August 2024
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s aluminium production in August 2024 stood firm, marking an annual growth of 2.5 per cent. Attributed to solid profits due to increased aluminium prices, smelters in the domestic market scaled up their production to 3.73 million tonnes during the said month. According to NBS, the output volume marked a two-year high. However, the daily average production dipped month-on-month from 122,333 tonnes to 120,322 tonnes, based on Reuters’ calculation. The strong output this year was due to increased operations by smelters in some of the main Chinese primary aluminium production hubs, especially in Yunnan where metal output rose due to ample hydropower supply. For the interim period, prices in the Chinese domestic market fell due to...
Back-to-back growth in LME aluminium price brings it about 5% higher M-o-M; SHFE is closed for mid-autumn holiday
On Friday, September 13, the LME aluminium benchmark price continued to grow for the fourth day in a row and exceeded the US$2,400 per tonne level. The LME graph movement suggests the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price increased by US$14 per tonne and US$14.50 per tonne, respectively, to close the week at US$2,404 per tonne and US$2,405 per tonne. With the latest rise, the LME aluminium benchmark price recorded a month-on-month increase of 4.86 from US$2,293.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price stood at US$2,421 per tonne and US$2,421.50 per tonne, marking a growth of US$11.50 per tonne from September 12. December-25 bid price and December-25 offer price ascended by US$11 per tonne to reach US$2,522 per tonne and US$2,533 per tonne,...
Upstream weekly recap: Unprecedented alumina price growth is transforming market dynamics; China bauxite imports reach a new high
Currently, if anything is grabbing the maximum attention in the upstream aluminium sector, it is the unprecedented price surge in China's alumina prices. Both domestic and imported prices have skyrocketed over the week, transforming the market dynamics and raising concerns among primary aluminium producers about escalating production costs. According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's domestic average alumina price has skyrocketed by RMB 1,035 per tonne on a year-on-year comparison, reaching RMB 3,968 per tonne as of September 13. The significant growth phenomenon primarily started in late August on account of excessive demand due to increasing primary aluminium production, coupled with production disruption of the ore due to bauxite supply constraints. The imported alumina FOB...
China’s primary aluminium production remains stable in August’24, exceeding previous record high
China's primary aluminium production and supply remained stable in August 2024 without being affected by power shortages in Sichuan, found the Shanghai Metals Market survey. According to SMM data, China's primary aluminium production in August marginally grew month-on-month from the previous month's high by 0.16 per cent, indicating a steady operational scenario. At the end of August, the domestic operating capacity was 43.49 million tonnes versus 43.42 million tonnes a month ago. SMM further showed China’s primary aluminium production volume stood at 3.689 million tonnes in August versus 3.683 million tonnes in July 2024. Annually, the August output recorded an increase of 18 per cent. From January to August 2024, China's total primary aluminium production amounted to 28.545 million...
Zarbana Aluminium Extrusions reports an explosion at its plant where three workers are affected
An aluminium extrusion plant in Columbiana County, Ohio, reported an explosion on Thursday evening, shortly after 8 pm. The incident happened at Zarbana Aluminum Extrusions due to a leak during the pouring of aluminium billets, resulting in severe burns to one employee from hot molten metal. A total of three workers were affected by the tragedy, of which one person was immediately airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, while the other two were transported to St. Elizabeth downtown. Due to the leak and fire outbreak, nearby pallets and other flammable materials were ignited, but firefighters extinguished the flames promptly. Thankfully, there was no report of death cases. Zarbana Aluminium Extrusions has three press lines – Pg600, P2500, and P1800. The press line Pg600 extrudes...
China’s average alumina spot price records a Y-o-Y surge of more than RMB1000/t, transforming the market dynamics
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, China’s domestic average alumina spot price has further increased for the fourth consecutive day towards the RMB 4,000 per tonne level. As of September 13, the price stands at RMB 3,968 per tonne, accumulating RMB 11 per tonne overnight and marking week-on-week increase of RMB 30 per tonne from RMB 3,938 per tonne. Analysis of the market and unprecedented price rise Over a month, the price has escalated by RMB 64 per tonne, and that over a year heightened by RMB 1,035 per tonne, breaking all the previous records. This unprecedented growth in China’s domestic alumina price could be attributed to the surging demand for alumina to support the ever growing capacity of primary aluminium reaching 43.49 million tonnes by the end of August. The rise in...
Shyam Metalics expects exceptional growth through FY29 driven by expansion into aluminium and stainless steel sectors
Shyam Metalics and Energy anticipates significant growth through FY2029 based on strategic expansions in product lines and advanced technology integration into operations. The company’s entry into the aluminium and stainless-steel business is also expected to contribute to the anticipated growth as it continues to move up the value chain. In the last five years, Shyam Metalics has experienced momentous growth in revenue and EBITDA. While the former elevated at a CAGR of 24.7 per cent, from INR 4,376 crore in FY2020 to INR 13,195 crore in FY2024, EBITDA increased to INR 1,569 crore at a CAGR of 19.9 per cent. Aluminium accounts for 4 per cent of the company’s total sales, and stainless steel constitutes 4.5 per cent, underscoring the success of Shyam Metalics’ diversification efforts. For...
China’s bauxite imports soar to a record high, buoyed by 14.6% hike in Guinea’s supply
According to the General Administration of Customs, China's bauxite imports reached a historically high level for July 2024, with a month-on-month increase of 12.49 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 16.50 per cent. The import volume stood at 15.0007 million tonnes in July, compared to 13.3348 million tonnes a month ago. In June, the import volume was down by 1.58 per cent M-o-M, showed Customs data. From January to July 2024, China's total bauxite imports amounted to 92.3514 million tonnes, reflecting an annual increase of 8.7 per cent. Sources of imports In July 2024, Guinea, Australia, Turkey, Laos, Malaysia, Côte d'Ivoire, Montenegro, and Brazil were the major sources of China's bauxite imports. From Guinea, China imported 10.4897 million tonnes in July, up by 10.36 per cent M-o-M...
China’s domestic and imported alumina prices reach a new high, driving A00 aluminium ingot price above the RMB19500/t level
According to the Shanghai Metals Markets survey, China’s average alumina spot price has heightened by RMB14 per tonne on Thursday, September 12, marking the third consecutive day of rise extending relentless growth since August 20. From August 20 to September 12, China’s average alumina price has rallied by RMB 50 per tonne, coming to a new high since more than two years. Overview and analysis In Henan and Shanxi, China’s domestic alumina price has surged by RMB 20 per tonne to RMB 3,955 per tonne and RMB 3,980 per tonne. The average prices are estimated to range between RMB 3,920-3,990 per tonne and RMB 3,940-4,020 per tonne, respectively. In Shandong, alumina price has increased by RMB 15 per tonne to RMB 3,950 per tonne, with average prices to hover around RMB 3,930-3,970 per tonne....
Vedanta Aluminium unveils two new products for high-precision use in the power sector
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited and India's largest aluminium producer, has reportedly launched two new ranges of wire rods at PowerEdge 2024. One is AL59 Ingot, and the other is an electrical conductor (EC) grade wire rod. The AL59 Ingot is ideal for remelting as it offers superior electrical conductivity, while the EC grade wire rod is suitable for winding strip applications with a balance of strength and formability. These products are made for high-precision use, such as fine drawing, conforming, and enamelling in transformer and winding applications. Vedanta Aluminium, in response to the escalating electricity demand in India, has meticulously developed these products, aiming to develop the necessary infrastructure for optimum electricity utilisation from generation...
ASI certifies Hammerer Aluminium against Performance Standard with provisional status
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has announced the certification of Hammerer Aluminium Industries against the Performance Standard V3 with provisional status. Hammerer Aluminium (HAI) specialises in casting and extruding aluminium, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes and 125,000 tonnes, respectively. The company has acquired the ASI certification for the production of high-quality extruded aluminium profiles, fabricated and surface-treated aluminium profiles, and fabricated and welded aluminium components at its Soest facility in Germany. The specified plant has the ability to produce 25,000 tonnes of aluminium products in a year. The provisional certification is valid for one year, during which it serves as a strategic and flexible approach for aluminium companies to gain access to...
South America outpaces North America in primary aluminium production growth rate for July 2024
According to the International Aluminium Institute's data, primary aluminium production in the Americas totalled 464,000 tonnes, of which 71.98 per cent was contributed by North America and 28 per cent by South America. On a month-on-month basis, the total output in the Americas marked an increase of 2.88 per cent from 451,000 tonnes, while that on a year-on-year calculation recorded a growth of 2.2 per cent from 454,000 tonnes. Interestingly, the month-on-month and year-on-year growth rate was higher in South America than in the North, despite the latter region being a crucial hub for primary aluminium production. To delve deeper into this observation, continue reading our detailed analysis. Production Overview - South vs North America In July 2024, primary aluminium production in South...
AEROBAL elects Robert Huffman as new President and Seifeldin Raslan Mohamed as Secretary General
AEROBAL, an international organisation representing manufacturers of aluminium aerosol cans, has reportedly announced the election of Robert Huffman as a new President for the subsequent two-year tenure. Huffman succeeds Wan Tsang Lin of EUROASIA, who has served AEROBAL with firm commitment and dedication since June 2022. Robert Huffman, elected at AEROBAL's recently held General Assembly meeting, will lead the organisation with his wealth of knowledge and industrial experience. He is the President of Trivium Packaging's Americas and Global Aerosol & Beverage businesses. Robert Huffman said, "I am delighted to take on the role of President of AEROBAL at such a pivotal time for our industry. With the increasing focus on sustainability and innovation, I look forward to working with our...
Hydro commissions new aluminium recycling plant in Szekesfehervar, Hungary
On September 11, 2024, Hydro announced the commissioning of a new aluminium recycling plant in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, with an annual capacity of 90,000 tonnes. The plant will produce recycled aluminium products to meet the growing demand for secondary metals in the automotive sector. Initially, the recycling plant will begin with recycling 15,000 tonnes of post-consumer scrap annually and gradually increase the output in line with customers’ demands. President and CEO Eivind Kallevik said, “Our most ambitious customers in key industries like the automotive industry are pushing demand for low-carbon and recycled aluminium upwards. To serve this growing market and strengthen Hydro’s position as the leading provider of low-carbon and recycled aluminium solutions in Europe, we are set to...
Constellium achieves ASI Performance Standard 3.0 Certification for facilities in Europe and North America
Constellium, a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and recycling aluminium products and solutions, has reportedly acquired Performance Standard Certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for all its operations, including the corporate office in Paris. As per the report, the company has bagged ASI's latest Performance Standard Version 3.0, which sets a new benchmark for responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of the aluminium value chain. Constellium has successfully attained that standard on all the 11 principles for its operations in Europe and North America, addressing pressing issues like material stewardship, greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water management, biodiversity, governance and labour, and human rights across its European and North American...
Press Metal reports fire breakout at Phase 3 aluminium smelter in Samalaju Industrial Park
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, a Malaysia-headquartered integrated aluminium producer, reported that its smelter in Samalaju Industrial Park caught fire. The accident broke out at the Phase 3 smelter, affecting 100 out of the 300 pots, and thankfully bypassed Phases 1 and 2. Press Metal also reported that the unprecedented incident caused no fatalities or injuries. The company said: "We are grateful that swift evacuation procedures ensured there were no injuries or fatalities." About 9 per cent of the total smelting capacity across Samalaju and Mukah was affected by the fire breakout, said Press Metal. Three to four months are anticipated to complete the restoration of the pots, which will lessen 3 per cent of the company's smelting capacity on a full-year basis. Press Metal further...
