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 plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico shrink 5.77% in Q3 2023
In September 2023, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico amounted to 23,000 tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month downfall of 10.85 per cent, according to the US Geological Survey. The decline occurred in September following an increase of 4.45 per cent in August from 24,700 tonnes to 25,800 tonnes. On a year-on-year calculation, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports in September 2023 recorded a hike of 8,000 tonnes or 53.33 per cent from 15,000 tonnes. In Q3 2023, the US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico totalled 73,500, down by 4,500 tonnes or 5.77 per cent from 78,000 tonnes in the previous quarter. From January to September 2023, the US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports totalled 224,000 tonnes – 88.24 per...
Africa & Asia’s alumina output during Jan-Nov’23 trails behind last year by 1.9%
The latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute for November 2023 indicates that Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production in the first eleven months of 2023 lags behind by 1.9 per cent from the prior year. Compared to 12.663 million tonnes of Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina output from January to November 2022, this year’s production stood at 12.421 million tonnes. In November 2023, Africa & Asia (ex-China) produced 1.169 million tonnes of alumina, of which the metallurgical-grade output was 1.146 million tonnes, accounting for 98 per cent of the total production. On a month-on-month calculation, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production in November 2023 slightly fell by 0.34 per cent from 1.173 million tonnes. But on a year-on-year basis, the output stood...
China’s aluminium billet inventories closed the year 2023 at a new low of 64,100 tonnes
According to the Shanghai Metals Market data, China’s social inventories of aluminium billets ended the year 2023 on Thursday, December 28, at a new low of 64,100 tonnes. On a week-on-week calculation, aluminium billet inventories witnessed a drop of 800 tonnes, and from Monday, December 25, saw a decline of 2,700 tonnes, marking a new low as aluminium billet supply decreased at the year-end. To know the status of aluminium billet inventories on December 28, refer to the chart below: Last week, the downfall in China’s aluminium billet inventories was primarily driven by the fall in Wuxi. According to SMM data, the inventories in Wuxi decreased 3,200 tonnes to 8,500 tonnes on December 28 from 11,700 tonnes a week ago. Compared to 9,800 tonnes on December 25, the inventories fell by 1,300...
US aluminium market shifts: Malaysia's imports surge to commanding 41% of exports by Sept 2023
Malaysia is a major aluminium importer from the United States. In 2022, the country accounted for 17 per cent of the United States aluminium crude metals and alloys exports and 20 per cent of the United States aluminium scrap exports. Till September 2023, Malaysia accounted for 41 per cent of the United States aluminium crude metals and alloys exports and 17 per cent of the latter’s aluminium scrap exports. The data indicates that Malaysia’s aluminium crude metals and alloys imports from the United States have grown magnificently this year. Malaysia’s aluminium crude metals and alloys imports Rightly so, Malaysia’s crude metals and alloys imports from the US in September 2023 recorded a skyrocketing high on an annual basis by over 200 per cent from 6,180 tonnes to 18,800 tonnes. On a...
China’s primary aluminium inventories hit a new low for 2023 at 434,000 tonnes
On Thursday, December 28, China's social inventories of aluminium ingot hit a new low for the year, standing at 434,000 tonnes. Compared to Monday, December 25, the inventories registered a fall of 9,000 tonnes, while from the previous week, December 21, the inventories stood 12,000 tonnes lower. The chart below indicates the current status of primary aluminium inventories across China. The Shanghai Metals Market showed that on an annual basis, the inventories encountered a fall of 59,000 tonnes. The decline happened due to the lower arrivals of stocks in the South and East China markets but was slightly offset by restricted purchases at the beginning of the week. Inventories across provinces In Wuxi, primary aluminium inventories plunged by 13,000 tonnes week-on-week to stand at 117,000...
World alumina production in Nov’23 records a 2% drop M-o-M, but daily output grows amply
The current International Aluminium Institute data showed the world alumina production in November 2023 fell month-on-month by 1.90 per cent to 11.858 million tonnes, following an increase in October output. According to IAI, world alumina production in October was 12.088 million tonnes, up by 0.99 per cent from 11.970 million tonnes a month earlier. Throughout the year till November, world alumina production projected fluctuations, totalling 129.9 million tonnes compared to 130.35 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. That reflected a marginal dip of 0.35 per cent in the world’s alumina production from January to November 2023. On the other hand, despite the fall in monthly production in November 2023, the world’s daily average output in the said month was...
Japanese aluminium buyers agree to pay $90/t premium for Q1 2024 shipment
Japanese aluminium buyers have reportedly agreed to pay global producers a shipment premium of $90 per tonne over the LME benchmark price for the March quarter of 2024. The news came on December 28 after three sources directly involved in the pricing talks revealed. Compared to the current quarter till December 31, 2023, the premium agreed upon for Q1 2024 is 7 per cent lower. The premium is even less than a global aluminium producer's initial offering of $95 per tonne . Japan is Asia's major importer of aluminium; thus, the premium it pays for shipment each quarter sets a benchmark for the region. The Q1 2024 pricing negotiations between Japanese buyers and global suppliers, including Rio Tinto and South32, started late last month. While one producer lowered its offer to $92 per tonne,...
5 technology companies transformed the face of 2023 aluminium industry with unique equipment & digital solutions
The global aluminium industry in 2023 has witnessed a massive transformation in terms of technology than ever before. With sustainability goals in mind, the industry has welcomed advanced digital solutions, automation, and the latest machines/equipment; indeed, the result was inevitable. Quality production increased, efficiency improved, carbon emissions lessened, and accidents and injuries turned down across the industry worldwide. But do you wonder who made this possible? This is the article where we will unveil the names of the companies that have successfully transmuted the otherwise energy-intensive aluminium industry into smart factories with their unique technologies, equipment, and digital solutions. SECO/WARWICK SECO/WARWICK is an exclusive solution provider for heat treatment...
Shandong Hongchuang Aluminum Industry chairman quits the role
According to a report on Wednesday, December 27, Zhao Qianfang has stepped down from the position of a chairman of Shandong Hongchuang Aluminum Industry (SHE:002379) due to personal reasons. He will also discontinue from the role on the strategy committee. However, Zhao will temporarily continue acting as legal representative until a new chairman is hired. For the vacant position, the controlling shareholder has nominated Yang Congsen as chairman. Yang Congsen holds executive positions at several companies affiliated with the controlling shareholder. He also serves as general manager of China Hongqiao Group unit Shandong Hongqiao New Materials. Shandong Hongchuang Aluminum Industry was established in August 2000. Today, the company is recognised as a large-scale, comprehensive aluminium...
GCC’s 2023 primary aluminium production likely to exceed prior year’s with Y-T-D output of 5.603 Mt
In November 2023, primary aluminium production in the Gulf Cooperation Council recorded a month-on-month downfall of 12,000 tonnes or 2.37 per cent to stand at 506,000 tonnes, found the International Aluminium Institute. In October 2023, the output was recorded at 518,000 tonnes, up by 2.98 per cent from 503,000 tonnes in September. However, on a year-on-year calculation, primary aluminium production in the Gulf Cooperation Council during November 2023 saw a rise of 6,000 tonnes or 1.2 per cent from 500,000 tonnes. GCC ’s daily average primary aluminium production in November 2023 was 16,900 tonnes – 200 tonnes more than in November 2022. From January to November, GCC’s primary aluminium production totalled 5.603 million tonnes, which also indicated a year-on-year increase of 0.90 per...
China’s aluminium semis exports during Jan-Nov 2023 fall 16%; likely to recover in 2024 with tariff withdrawal
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's aluminium semis exports in November 2023 hit 452,000 tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month rise of 6.5 per cent and a year-on-year increase of 4.03 per cent. However, the country's total exports of aluminium semis from January to November witnessed a downfall of 16 per cent year-on-year to amount to 4.831 million tonnes, showed SMM. Exports of aluminium bars, rods, and profiles grew both monthly and annually in November 2023, while aluminium plates, sheets, and strips exports rebounded due to seasonal restocking. China's unwrought aluminium alloy exports in November 2023 were 15,700 tonnes, up by 1.7 per cent month-on-month but down by 17 per cent year-on-year. Total exports in eleven months amounted to 221,800 tonnes, 8.3 per cent...
China’s alumina price reaches Y-T-D high at RMB3044/t in the wake of fuel depot blast in Guinea
In the wake of a fuel depot blast in Guinea, a fear of bauxite supply shortage has stirred the Chinese upstream aluminium market, provoking smelters to buy alumina in anticipation of a production cut. As a result, the domestic alumina spot price in China has been on a rising spree since December 18, a day after the incident in Guinea occurred . Alumina price reaches its Y-T-D peak: In a little more than a week, the price of Chinese alumina has soared by RMB 48 per tonne. According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, on December 27, the price increased by RMB 18 per tonne, the highest growth rate in this period, to reach RMB 3,044 per tonne, marking the highest year-to-date and standing 4 per cent higher than RMB 2,927 per tonne during the corresponding period of the previous year. In...
Hindalco hosts groundbreaking ceremony of 2 Mt alumina refinery in virtual presence of Odisha CM
On Friday, December 22, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik virtually attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Hindalco Alumina Refinery and Apparel Unit to be set up by Utkal Alumina Social Welfare Foundation. The alumina refinery will come up at Kansariguda, and the apparel complex will be in Phulujuba village, both in Rayagada district. This refinery will be Hindalco’s second alumina refining plant in the Rayagada district of Odisha. While attending the groundbreaking ceremony on a virtual platform, Mr Patnaik said these projects are not only an industrial milestone but a crucial attempt to explore the potential within our state’s natural resources. He also said that these two new projects in Odisha prove that this state is a preferable destination for investment in manufacturing. He...
Press Metal’s Q4 2023 earnings to record a double-digit growth, projects Affin Hwang Investment Bank
Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd expects Press Metal Aluminium Holdings' Q4 2023 earnings to record a double-digit growth. According to Malaysia’s one of the largest brokerages and asset managers, Press Metal might post a 16.5 per cent earnings growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, driven by enhanced realised aluminium prices. Affin Hwang has further shared its projection that Press Metal’s fourth-quarter earnings would range between RM340 million and RM360 million, attributed to the stabilised aluminium prices around US$2,200 per tonne. If the projected earnings is achieved in Q4, then the full-year earnings would be in line with Affin Hwang’s estimation of RM1.3 billion. Affin Hwang estimates that global aluminium prices will remain relatively stable until the second half of 2024, based...
Fuel depot blast in Guinea may disrupt bauxite supply to China; domestic alumina purchase grows out of fear
The recent fuel depot explosion in Guinea has raised fears of a bauxite shortage, which may affect alumina production in China. China secures the lion's share of bauxite from Guinea, which they refine into alumina and used for aluminium smelting. The fear of bauxite shortage and alumina production cut as a result has increased the aluminium ore purcase enthusiasm, driving the price hike. Although Guinean authorities have authorised a gradual resumption of gasoline distribution after a five-day ban following the blast, it is limited to 25 litres for vehicles and 5 litres for motorcycles, said the government in an open statement. Sales of fuel in cans are still prohibited. All this will impact the transportation from Guinea to China. The possibility of a bauxite shortage in China has raised...
Century Aluminum’s Chief Accounting Officer sells 3,000 shares of the company stocks
Century Aluminum’s Chief Accounting Officer, Robert F. Hoffman, has reportedly sold 3,000 shares of the company stocks in a transaction, at an average price of $12 for each stock. That brought the total transaction of $36,000.000. Following the transaction, Mr. Hoffman owns 47,553 shares of Century Aluminum’s stock, valued at approximately $570,636. A number of hedge funds and several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings. State Street Corp has increased its stake in Century Aluminum by 87.9 per cent, acquiring an additional 4,927,814 shares. The company thus owns 10,536,517 shares worth $77,654,000. Millennium Management LLC has purchased 1,107,112 shares and thus now owns 1,341,811 shares of Century Aluminum worth $9,889,000. Early last week, on...
China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports show uptick in Nov’23 for the second month in a row
According to China customs data, the country’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in November 2023 experienced a month-on-month rise of 2.6 per cent and a year-on-year increase of 5.6 per cent to reach 111,800 tonnes. That brought the total year-to-date imports to 1.0196 million tonnes, which was down by 14 per cent Y-o-Y. China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in November marked a consecutive rise for the second month as the imports in October grew 17.5 per cent month-on-month and 9.2 per cent year-on-year, reaching 108,900 tonnes. The top five import sources in November were Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia. Malaysia accounted for 41.8 per cent of China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports, exporting 46,700 tonnes, followed by Thailand’s exports of 12,800 tonnes,...
Hydro Paragominas invests in electric trucks for bauxite transportation as part of 2030 decarbonisation goal
Hydro Paragominas in Para, a bauxite mining company, has reportedly partnered with Irmen Máquinas to acquire two 100 per cent electric SANY SKT90E trucks, each with a bauxite loading capacity of 60 tonnes. Hydro is increasing its electric transport fleet as part of the 2030 decarbonisation strategy. Edil Pimentel, Mine Operation Manager at Hydro Paragominas, explains that each of these electric trucks will reduce about 190 tonnes of carbon emissions per year with a higher capacity than 8×4 model with a capacity of only 36 tonnes. Hydro has also included battery electric trucks in its transport fleet to contribute to its decarbonisation by 2030. Another significant measure Hydro has taken for decarbonisation is replacing 50 per cent of its diesel combustion fleet with ethanol combustion...
