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.
China advances towards 2030 carbon emissions goal, cutting 4.3% thermal power consumption in May 2024
China's progressive transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, harnessed from sunlight and water for power generation, is instilling a sense of optimism. This shift, by the world's largest polluter, is a promising step towards achieving net-zero emissions, offering a beacon of hope for the global environment. Encouragingly, the usage of thermal power, which accounts for a lion's share of China's carbon footprint, was reduced by 4.3 per cent in May from the previous year, the most significant drop since 2022. Instead, thermal power was largely replaced by hydroelectricity. In May, hydropower generation in China surged 39 per cent after heavy rains fed a recovery in Southwest China's Yunnan province, one of the world's largest hydropower-producing regions. Output from large solar...
Iran’s aluminium ingot production signals steady trajectory during the first two months of FY2025
According to the latest data revealed by the Iranian Mines and Mining Distribution Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), Iran’s aluminium ingot production during the first two months of FY2024-2025 (March 20-May 21) saw a slight drop of 0.44 per cent year-on-year. From 112,767 tonnes in April and May 2023, Iran’s primary aluminium production grew to 112,273 tonnes this year. Based on IMIDRO’s data, among the country’s four major producers, South Aluminum Corporation contributed the highest to the two-month aluminium ingot production. The company produced 47,002 tonnes of primary metal, followed by the Iranian Aluminium Company, which produced 31,122 tonnes. Almahdi Aluminum Company and Iran Alumina Company, the third and the fourth largest producer of primary aluminium in...
Jan-May 2024: China’s aluminium raw material imports set a bullish trend, with alumina inflows surging 60% Y-o-Y
During January-May 2024, China witnessed a positive trend of aluminium raw material and aluminium product imports, as demonstrated by the Shanghai Metals Market’s latest survey. Considering raw materials, China’s bauxite and alumina imports grew in May due to the growing demand for primary metal production, as many smelters, especially in Yunnan, resumed operations because of the increased generation of hydropower backed by sufficient rainfall. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s primary aluminium production in May reached 3.65 million tonnes, marking a 2-year high. China is increasingly depending on imported ore as domestic supply lines are struggling. At the end of May, out of 100 million tonnes, China’s operating capacity stood at 82.29 million tonnes, with an...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price starts regaining but shows no sign of jump due to weak demand
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has mirrored the same growth as the previous day. It has increased by RMB 50 per tonne to reach RMB 20,450 per tonne, marking the second consecutive day of rise. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 20,430-20,470 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a discount of RMB 70-30 per tonne. Even after the second day of rise, the price of A00 aluminium ingot has continued to demonstrate a downtrend compared with RMB 20,660 per tonne on June 13 and RMB 20,860 per tonne on May 20. Thus, on a week-on-week basis, the domestic price has recorded a fall of 1.02 per cent, and on a month-on-month basis, the price has registered a decline of 1.97 per cent. Among the Chinese provinces,...
AL Circle is ready to witness Aluminium China 2024! Meet our team at Hall N1, Booth No. 1M24
Have you blocked your calendar for Asia's biggest trade show for the aluminium industry and its ancillary sectors? Yes, we mean Aluminium China, and if you're yet to plan for it, here's a gentle reminder! Aluminium China, bringing industry stalwarts under one roof, is set to occur on July 3-5, 2024, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. As a Media Partner of the event, AL Circle is thrilled to say that Aluminium China 2024 will be nothing less than a star-studded show with the graceful presence of global aluminium companies located within or outside China. About exhibitors From primary aluminium producers to semi-fabricated manufacturers, from technology providers to industry associates, Aluminium China 2024 will accommodate about 600 domestic and international exhibitors. Among...
India’s Vedanta Aluminium has its plan ready to face the EU’s CBAM challenge
In line with global efforts to combat climate change, the European Union has introduced a significant measure—the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to regulate the import of carbon-intensive products, such as aluminium, by charging a tariff based on the emissions produced during their manufacturing. This tariff currently applies to six product categories – aluminium, iron and steel, hydrogen, electricity, cement, and fertiliser, irrespective of the product’s origin. The CBAM is set to come into effect in January 2026. In preparation, the European Union has already begun requesting reports on the carbon emissions of goods exported to the EU. India’s leading stainless steel producer, Jindal Stainless Limited, is taking proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions and...
LME aluminium price recovers US$7/t from the previous day fall; SHFE price grows back-to-back
On Tuesday, June 17, LME aluminium opened at US$2,508 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,520 per tonne, a low of US$2,470 per tonne, and closed at US$2,495.50 per tonne, down US$12 per tonne, a decrease of 0.48 per cent. On Tuesday, June 18, LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price increased by US$7.50 per tonne and US$7 per tonne, following a steep fall on the earlier day influenced by low consumption of metal in the Chinese market due to off-season. The LME prices on Tuesday stood at US$2,427 per tonne and US$2,427.50 per tonne. Conversely, on the same day, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price unanimously dropped by US$4 per tonne to stand at US$2,481 per tonne and US$2,483 per tonne, respectively. December-25 bid price and December-25 offer price, on...
Germany-based aluminium extrusion plant obtains ASI Performance Standard Certification
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has successfully acknowledged HMT Höfer Metall Technik GmbH & Co. KG (HMT) with Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for responsibly producing low-carbon emission aluminium profiles. Part of the Höfer group, HMT is a Germany-based, high-tech aluminium extrusion plant that manufactures semi-finished aluminium products. The extrusion plant is specialised in producing aluminium profiles. It produces up to thirty tonnes of aluminium billets daily, leveraging two fully automatic extrusion lines. The facility's processes include sawing, stamping, drilling, milling, and joining, with products serving the automotive and construction industries, amongst other sectors. HMT's commitment to responsible production was put to the test through a rigorous,...
Influence of orders and supply on alumina inventory at Chinese smelters
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey in early June, the accumulated inventory of alumina at aluminium smelters across China stood at 2.8815 million tonnes. The number of days of in-plant alumina stocks at Chinese aluminium smelters in early June was 12.78 days, considering that the national aluminium output was 3.632 million tonnes in May, with a daily output of 117,200 tonnes. Alumina stocks at smelters, region-wise In the Northwest Chinese regions, such as Ningxia, Qinghai, Gansu, and Xinjiang, some aluminium smelters had considerable alumina orders to deliver, which led to lower in-plant alumina inventories. Meanwhile, some smelters in the regions encountered a sluggish buying sentiment, leading to relatively stable inventory levels. Thus, the average days of in-plant alumina...
Swisstek Aluminium’s leadership excellence recognised at “Companies with Great Managers 2023” awards
Swisstek Aluminium Limited, one of the leading commercial and industrial aluminium extrusion profile manufacturers in Sri Lanka, has received due honour for its outstanding managerial and leadership excellence at the “Companies with Great Managers 2023”. A report stated that five employees of Swisstek Aluminium received the honours at a recent event celebrating exemplary leadership across multiple industries. This latest recognition, followed by an award last month for brilliant management practices , exhibits nothing less than its zeal and commitment towards developing a great team of managers capable of driving the business with utmost care and dedication. Out of five coveted honours, two were received under the category Driving Results & Execution Excellence. The recipients were Head...
The latest premium bid for Japan’s Q3 aluminium shipments is even higher than Q2
According to a report on June 18, some global aluminium producers sought a premium of $185-190 per tonne from Japanese buyers for July-September primary aluminium shipments. The news came after three people directly involved in quarterly pricing talks said. Compared to the second quarter’s premium of $145-148 per tonne, the Q3 premium being offered is 25 to 31 per cent higher. The latest Q3 premium is even higher than the premium quoted last month by a global producer. According to a report on May 29, J apanese buyers were offered a premium of $175 per tonne , up 18 to 20 per cent from the Q2 premium. During the previous offer, Japanese buyers had already expressed that the premium was too high considering the sluggish domestic demand for aluminium, especially from the industrial and...
Off-season in China’s manufacturing sectors results in low pick-up from aluminium billet warehouses
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, aluminium billet inventories in China stood at 162,800 tonnes on Thursday, June 13, indicating a week-on-week decline of 3,600 tonnes. But on a year-on-year basis, the inventories rose 21,300 tonnes, standing at a high level for the same period in nearly four years. Pick up and supply The year-on-year increase in aluminium billet inventories could be attributed to reduced pick-up from warehouses by 6,700 tonnes to 45,200 tonnes, dropping to the lowest level in nearly four years. Due to weak purchase sentiment across China, there is a very little room for improvement in aluminium billet pick-up from warehouses. SMM believes aluminium billet inventories will remain steady in the near future amid weak downstream demand and potential supplies....
Europe’s (inc. Russia) April 2024 primary aluminium production drops M-o-M, but four months output remains stable
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, primary aluminium production in Western & Central Europe and Russia & Eastern Europe fell month-on-month in April 2024 but recorded a year-on-year rise. Closer view of Western & Central Europe’s output The IAI data revealed that primary aluminium output in Western & Central Europe was 226,000 tonnes, down by 6,000 tonnes or 2.6 per cent from 232,000 tonnes in March 2024 and up by 2,000 tonnes from 224,000 tonnes in April 2023. The above data indicates an overall downtrend in Western and Central Europe’s primary aluminium production, given that primary aluminium output in April 2024 recorded marginal annual growth and decreased significantly month-on-month. Encouragingly, the primary aluminium production downtrend in Western &...
Capral acquires Brisbane-based aluminium extrusion supplier Apple Aluminium
Capral, Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of industry-leading aluminium products, has reportedly announced the purchase of Apple Aluminium, a Brisbane-based aluminium extrusion, sheet, and plate supplier. Capral said in a statement that although the acquisition is relatively small, it perfectly aligns with the strategy to grow via targeted acquisitions and strategic investments. In FY2022-23, Apple Aluminium’s turnover was about $12 million, while Capral’s revenue was $657 million. Through this acquisition, Capral essentially aims to leverage Apple’s established market position, skilled workforce, and strong customer relations to better its offerings. The acquisition is scheduled for completion in late July, subject to completion conditions. Tony Dragicevich, managing director...
Vedanta expands its aluminium prices by 1% at the end of the week, aligned with LME price move
Vedanta Limited, an Indian multinational mining company, has increased its aluminium selling prices with effect from Friday, June 14, following a cut on June 12. This move is in line with the global aluminium benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME), which escalated on June 13. With effect from June 14, Vedanta has expanded its aluminium ingot price by INR 2,250 per tonne or 1 per cent to stand at INR 245,500-265,500 per tonne versus INR 243,250-263,250 per tonne on June 12. The price movement is aligned with the LME price growth of 1 per cent on June 13 from US$2,476 per tonne to US$2,498 per tonne. With the latest change, Vedanta’s aluminium wire rod and billet prices have come in at INR 255,000-264,000 per tonne and INR 256,000 per tonne, respectively, also up by INR 2,250...
Africa & Asia’s April 2024 alumina production lags behind South America as it declines by 19% M-o-M
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, Africa & Asia (ex-China), the world’s third-largest alumina-producing spot after China and Oceania, witnessed a sharp month-on-month fall of 19.25 per cent, standing below 1 million tonnes for the first time in the past three years. The last time Africa & Asia’s alumina output stood below 1 million tonnes was in April 2020, standing at 978,000 tonnes. In April 2024, the production reached 997,000 tonnes, up by 1.94 per cent from the same period in 2020 On a year-on-year basis, Africa & Asia’s alumina output in April 2024 decreased by 6.38 per cent from 1.065 million tonnes. The daily average output in April 2024 was 33,200 tonnes, down by 16.58 per cent M-o-M from 39,800 tonnes and 6.48 per cent less Y-o-Y than 35,500 tonnes. From...
NALCO signs a lease for bauxite mining with 111 million tonnes of reserves
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, has reportedly signed a mining lease deed with the State Government of Odisha. The mines are located in Pottangi Tehsil, Koraput District, and cover an area of 697.979 hectares. The bauxite mines , with their estimated reserves of 111 million tonnes and a mine life of 32 years, are a testament to NALCO's long-term vision and commitment to growth, expected to annually produce 3.5 million tonnes of bauxite. The mines will become operational once the remaining statutory clearances are obtained. The bauxite excavated at the mines will be transported to NALCO's refinery at Damanjodi through an 18.5-kilometre overland conveyor. Through this lease, NALCO secures a steady supply of bauxite for its existing...
Japanese aluminium stocks remain steady M-o-M in May 2024, contributed by a 3% growth at Nagoya
According to a Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, aluminium stocks at Japan’s three major ports stood steady in May 2024 compared to the previous month, but recorded a sharp fall from a year ago. Stocks increased in May following M-o-M downfall of 2.3 per cent in the previous month , totalling 308,100 tonnes. It is to be noted that Japanese stocks have maintained stability, remaining above 300,000 tonnes. As per the data revealed, aluminium stocks at Japanese ports totalled 308,700 tonnes in May 2024 compared to 308,100 tonnes in April 2024. On a year-on-year calculation, aluminium stocks in May marked a plunge of 12.8 per cent from 354,000 tonnes. The major ports in Japan with highest aluminium trading include Yokohama, Nagoya, and...
