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.
JNARDDC develops process to convert CFA into aluminium fluoride and high purity silica
Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur has reportedly innovated a process to convert coal fly ash into useful products such as aluminium fluoride and high purity silica at laboratory scale. So, now the current demand of aluminium fluoride, which is about 42,000 tonnes in Indian aluminium smelters, can be fulfilled by coal fly ash alone. This will help in saving natural resources, such as bauxite and sand, and lead to proper utilisation of coal fly ash. Aluminium fluoride is majorly used in the primary aluminium industry during the production of aluminium from alumina. The coal fly ash (CFA) generation in India is about 200 million tonnes per annum containing 30 per cent alumina and 60 per cent silica. The innovation of the process was based on...
Chinese secondary aluminium producers operating rates estimated to slow down to 56% in May
Shanghai Metals Market anticipates the Chinese secondary aluminium producers’ operating rates to extend declines to 56 per cent in May, as aluminium purchases are expected to remain low among auto producers due to high inventories. The upcoming stricter national emission standards which will come into effect from July 1 have already depressed sales of those cars that come with lower emission standards. This as a result has increased inventory pressure at automakers. Moreover, lower prices of overseas ADC12 aluminium are estimated to bolster the imports in May and June, resulting in lowered consumption of domestic secondary aluminium alloy ingot. This may further drag on operating rates across secondary aluminium producers in May. Secondary aluminium producers’ operating rates in April had...
Spot alumina price expands further to RMB3087/t, while aluminium ingot price dwindles by RMB20/t
According to Shanghai Metals Market, the spot price of alumina has recorded a further hike today, May 17, to RMB 3087 per tonne. Yesterday, the price was at RMB 2,990 per tonne, which means the price today has increased by RMB 97 per tonne. Over the month, the alumina spot price has risen from RMB 2,665 per tonne to RMB 3,087 per tonne, with no intermittent downfall. In contrast to the price in the same period last year, the spot alumina price is currently down by RMB 31 per tonne. One of the major reasons behind the continued rise in alumina spot price over the last one month could be the shutdown of Xinfa Group’s all production lines for the indefinite period of time due to environmental dispute, which has the annual capacity of 2.8 million tonnes. A logistics source working with Xinfa...
Gestamp plans to invest $13.4 million in Viohalco’s aluminium profiles production and processing businesses
Gestamp North Europe Services has reportedly expressed its intention to invest 23.5 million levs ($13.4 million/12.0 million euro) in acquiring major stakes of Viohalco’s aluminium profiles production and processing businesses – Etem Automotive Bulgaria and Etem Aluminium Extrusions by increasing the two companies’ capital. As per the official documents, Etem Aluminium Extrusions’ capital will be increased by 18.58 million levs to 37.92 million levs, while Etem Automotive Bulgaria’s capital will be hiked by 4.89 million levs to 9.59 million levs. After increasing the capital, Spain-based Gestamp North Europe Services will reportedly control a 49 per cent stake in Etem Aluminium Extrusions and 51 per cent in Etem Automotive Bulgaria. Earlier this year, Viohalco had announced that Etem...
Norway’s aluminium cans import cost likely to rise in 2019, but import volume to drop
Norway’s aluminium cans import is estimated to stand down this year to 9,374 tonnes, according to our third-party data. In 2018, the estimated import amount was at 9,539 tonnes, after growing from 9,502 tonnes in 2017. But the amount of import in 2017 was down from 2016, as the import volume in the latter year was at 9,734 tonnes. But despite the fall in Norway’s estimated amount of aluminium cans import in 2019, the country is likely to see a growth in aluminium cans import cost. This year the cost is likely to grow from US$60 million in 2018 to US$ 61 million. In 2018, on the other hand, the import cost had stood down from US$64 million in the previous year, despite a rise in import volume. A similar trend was seen in 2017 as well when the import cost had risen from US$56 million in...
Bilgin Yachts unveils second superyacht with aluminium superstructure in its 156 model series
Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts has reportedly launched the second superyacht in its 156 model series in a private ceremony at the yard's Kucukcekmece facility in Istanbul. The yacht named Lilium is 47.5-metre long and built from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. As per the report, the vessel will now undergo sea trials before undertaking her maiden journey to the south of France, following which it will make her public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. While explaining the yacht’s name and where it derives from, Bilgin Yachts chief executive İsmail Şengün said: "The Bilgin 156-II is named after the beautiful white flower Lilium as a sign of our promise to the yacht owners: A sunny and happy day on a deck." White and golden interior, with brass and marble as the two key...
Primary aluminium inventories drop to 1.346 million tonnes on higher demand and limited cargoes arrival
Primary aluminium stocks across eight major consumption areas in China, including SHFE warrants, have dropped further on higher demand and limited cargoes arrival, learned Shanghai Metals Market. The premium of spot prices over prices of futures triggered a larger outflow of warrants, which also reduced inventories. According to SMM data, the inventories have plunged by some 63,000 tonnes from May 9 to stand at 1.346 million tonnes, as of Thursday, May 16. In contrast to 506,000 tonnes in Wuxi and Jiangsu on May 9, the inventories today are standing at 483,000 tonnes, down 23,000 tonnes. In Shanghai, the inventories dipped 7,000 tonnes to clock at 270,000 tonnes and in Nanhai and Guangdong by 24,000 tonnes to 286,000 tonnes. In Gongyi and Henan, and Linyi and Shandong, the inventories...
Amcor receives Alufoil Trophy for its Formpack Dessiflex Ultra blister solution
Formpack Dessiflex Ultra blister solution, developed by Amcor in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for Augmentin product, reportedly received the Alufoil Trophy in Product Protection category. Dessiflex Blister System is an innovative packaging solution that offers the ultimate protection to the most sensitive pharmaceutical products by absorbing moisture. For any aluminium blister, moisture can enter the cavity via cross diffusion through the seal layer, or as part of the tablet packaging process. Formpack® Dessiflex Ultra eliminates that risk, as it can dry moisture within the atmosphere of the cavity during the packaging process. Previously, Augmentin tablets were packaged in a glass bottle with a desiccant sachet and sealed using an aluminium pilfer-proof closure with a liner....
Chinalco raises alumina floor price for the fourth time to RMB 3050/tonne
According to Shanghai Metals Market, Aluminium Corporation of China (Chinalco) further raised the floor price of non-metallurgical alumina. This is the fourth time since April that Chinalco has increased the floor price of alumina. The further rise brings the price to RMB 3,050 per tonne, which will come into effect on May 14, following the price RMB 2,950 per tonne for May 10, RMB 2,850 per tonne for April 26, and RMB 2,750 per tonne for April 16. The continued hike in alumina floor prices could be attributed to production cut by local alumina producers due to environmental inspections in Shanxi province. Shanghai Metals Market lowered its estimates for alumina output across Chinese producers in May to 5.97 million tonnes, which translated to a narrower supply glut of 150,000 tonnes. The...
Czech Republic’s aluminium powder and flakes import to drop 6.4% in 2019
After rising in the past three consecutive years, Czech Republic’s aluminium powder and flakes import is likely to stand down this year, found the global export-import data. Compared with 4,591 tonnes in 2018, Czech Republic in 2019 is expected to import 4,297 tonnes, down 6.38 per cent year on year. Until 2018, Czech Republic’s aluminium powder and flakes import rose year on year, according to the available data. From 3,523 tonnes in 2016, the country’s import volume increased 9.11 per cent amounted to 3,844 tonnes in 2017. In 2018, the amount rose further to 4,590 tonnes, up 19.4 per cent from 2017 and 30.28 per cent from 2016. In tandem with the increasing import volume, Czech Republic’s aluminium powder and flakes import cost rose year on year from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, the estimated...
Rusal’s revenue, net profit in Q1 2019 down 20.9% and 49.8% Y-o-Y
Russian aluminium giant UC Rusal reportedly announced its first quarter results where it mentioned that revenue dropped 20.9 per cent to US$2,170 million from US$2,744 million in the same period last year. Net profit also decreased by 49.8 per cent to US$273 million, compared with US$544 million in Q1 2018. Recurring profit for the period was at US$300 million, down 43.5 per cent from US$531 million in Q1 2018. Commenting on the first quarter 2019 results, Evgenii Nikitin, CEO of RUSAL, said “The first quarter of the year was significantly challenged by the past year’s events, including the OFAC sanctions which were only lifted on 27 January 2019.” According to the company’s results, adjusted EBITDA came in at US$226 million in Q1 2019, down 60.5 per cent from US$572 million in the...
Austal shares updates on its current operations and full-year revenue guidance
The world’s largest aluminium shipbuilder Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) has reportedly released its New Zealand investor presentation where it provided updates on operations and full-year revenue guidance. Currently, the Australian shipbuilder is working on new age technologies such as improving fuel efficiency, digitisation of control systems, and new low emission fuels including LNG and battery-powered vessels. Another innovation-led product includes Auxillary Transport vessels. Besides, LCS Littoral Combat Ships and EPT Vessels ordered by the United States Navy are under construction in Alabama shipyard. Besides the USA where Austal houses the most efficient aluminium shipyard, the company’s development in the Asian region is also noteworthy with the largest integration facilities. The...
China’s passenger car sales in April dropped 18% YoY
Shanghai Metals Market found passenger car sales in China decreased year-on-year in April for the 11 th consecutive month. Trade tensions and economic slowdown were the two probable reasons that kept the consumption down. Retail sales of sedans, sport utility vehicles, minivans, and multi-purpose vehicles dropped 16.6 per cent on the year to 1.54 million units in April, updated China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) on Friday, May 10. In March, the drop was by 12 per cent and in February 18.5 per cent YoY. Sales excluding minivans had logged in at 1.51 million units in April 2019, down 13.8 per cent from March and 16.9 per cent from April 2018. Retail sales of passenger cars also displayed a downward trend by 18 per cent year on year, coming in at 44,275 units. Secretary General of CPCA...
Primary aluminium inventories decline 36,000 tonnes over the weekend: SMM
According to Shanghai Metals Market, the primary aluminium inventories in China have continued extending their declines over the weekend ended on May 13, 2019. As demand increased and cargoes arrivals decreased, the social inventories across eight major consumption areas in China, including SHFE warrants, dropped some 36,000 tonnes from Thursday, May 9, to stand at 1.373 million tonnes. As the above chart indicates, the inventory in Wuxi and Jiangsu has dropped by some 13,000 tonnes to stand at 493,000 tonnes, while that in Shanghai by some 2,000 tonnes to 275,000 tonnes. In Nanhai and Guangdong, Linyi and Shandong, and Chongqing, the inventories have dropped too by some 17,000 tonnes, 2,000 tonnes, and 3,000 tonnes to come in at 293,000 tonnes and 16,000 tonnes, and 26,000 tonnes...
Chinese alumina price expands by RMB19/t and provides further boost to A00 aluminium ingot price
According to Shanghai Metals Market, the spot price of alumina has recorded further expansion today, May 13, from RMB 2,784 per tonne to RMB 2,803 per tonne. This is the second consecutive growth in alumina spot price after remaining restrained from May 6 to May 9 at RMB 2,778 per tonne. Shanghai Metals Market found that alumina spot price had been growing since mid-April and showed no intermittent downfall. Therefore, compared to the price of RMB 2,646 in the same period last month, the price this month is RMB 157 per tonne higher. Today, the alumina spot price in the east, central, and north has grown by RMB 20 per tonne to stand at RMB 2,810 per tonne, RMB 2,800 per tonne, and RMB 2,820 per tonne, respectively. In the south, the price has inched up by RMB 10 per tonne to RMB 2,760 per...
Bang & Olufsen launches two new wireless earphones; one of them features aluminium details
A high-end luxury Danish electronics company Bang & Olufsen has reportedly launched two new wireless earphones Beoplay E8 Motion and Beoplay E6 Motion. Both are designed for an active lifestyle, but without compromising on sound and design for true wireless freedom. Beoplay E8 Motion comes with a range of frosted silicone fins that provide a better fit and superior comfort. A white leather and aluminium charging case also come along with the earphone. The Beoplay Charging Pad also has aluminium details and is available in white colour. Since it has wireless charging, the earphone is truly and totally wireless. Beoplay E6 Motion also comes with a range of frosted silicone fins and has splash resistant rubber cord. The earphone is capable to deliver a consistent high sound performance in...
Tankoa Yachts launches new 50-metre S502 Hybrid superyacht with fully-aluminium interiors
Italian yacht builder Tankoa Yachts reportedly unveiled its new 50-metre S502 Hybrid superyacht Binta D’Or on May 7, 2019. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Magherita Casprini, the interiors of the yacht are fully made of aluminium, representing light and modern tone. Binta D’Or can offer accommodation to 10 guests within its five cabin layouts. On the main deck, the cockpit comes with a spacious sunbed, U-shaped sofa, coffee tables, and bar, while the interior on the same deck level comprises a spacious salon, galley, and dining room. The master suite also comes with fold-down balconies on both sides. The upper deck, on the other hand, is designed around spacious outdoor areas for relaxation. There are a dining table and access to the comfortable sky lounge. Now...
Hydro needs to extend cost cutting as primary move for improvement programmes: Aasheim opines
Norsk Hydro ASA’s new President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim is of an opinion that the company needs to extend its cost cutting after a production halt in Brazil. She said in a statement, “We’ve been heavily affected by the Brazil situation. The effect of the improvement programs was erased to zero because the volumes fell significantly. We will re-establish the improvement programs, but also accelerate and see what more we can do.” Aasheim also intimidated that federal judge in Brazil would expectedly give final approval to restart the Alunorte refinery. However, the timing remains uncertain. The yearlong 50 per cent production cut at the world’s largest refinery has hurt Hydro’s earnings and weighed on its shares, leading to a drop by about 40 per cent since February 28, 2018. The...
