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’s alumina price hikes by RMB8/t over the weekend marking back-to-back rise; A00 aluminium ingot price declines by RMB50/t
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's average alumina spot price has hiked by RMB 8 per tonne over the weekend to stand at RMB 3,012 per tonne. That marked a rise for the second consecutive day, driven by rising purchase for future use when smelters resume production. In Henan and Guizhou, the average alumina price has surged by RMB 10 per tonne to stand at RMB 3,025 per tonne. The alumina price in Shanxi also reaches RMB 3,025 per tonne but by gaining RMB 5 per tonne. In Shandong, alumina price has grown by RMB 5 per tonne to settle at RMB 2,960 per tonne. The Australian alumina FOB price has also jumped by RMB 12 per tonne to stand at US$347 per tonne, found SMM. A00 aluminium ingot price, on the other hand, has decreased by RMB 50 per tonne over the weekend to clock...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: Alcoa promotes Matt Reed to Chief Operations officer; LME to include SHFE prices to its portfolio
Amid continued decreasing inventories, China’s domestic primary aluminium price was found to exceed the RMB 19,000 per tonne level this week after more than a month. Besides this, other prime events occurred this week were the appointment of Matt Reed as Alcoa’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Yunnan Wenshan Aluminium making to the list of 2023 Intelligent Manufacturing Demonstration Factory, and inclusion of aluminium in Australia’s Strategic Materials List. Before we start detailing these events, let us take a glance at this week’s aluminium price movement. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price grew through the week from December 18 to 22 by RMB 350 per tonne. The price started the week on December 18 at RMB 18,900 per...
US aluminium crude metals and alloys imports show a slight improvement in September 2023
In September 2023, the US aluminium crude metals and alloys imports stood at 309,000 tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 9.2 per cent from 283,000 tonnes. But despite the hike, the import volume in September could not match the amount in July 2023. In July, the imports were recorded at 331,000 tonnes, which fell in the succeeding month by 14.5 per cent to 283,000 tonnes. In Q3 2023, the United States aluminium crude metals and alloys imports amounted to 923,000 tonnes, down by 18.1 per cent from 1.127 million tonnes. Evaluating the United States’ aluminium crude metals and alloys imports over the past six months, it is to be noted that the import volume started shrinking month-on-month since June 2023. In June, the import volume stood at 345,000 tonnes – 15.23 per cent less...
Dominic Barton agrees with China Aluminum Group to extend strategic cooperation in a meeting this month
In December 2023, Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto Group, reportedly visited China and met Duan Xiandong, Chairman of China Aluminum Group, in Kunming to discuss sustainability, plans to deepen strategic cooperation, and healthy development of global mining. Dong Jianxiong, Vice General Manager of China Aluminum Group, and Alf Barrios, Chief Business Officer of Rio Tinto Group, also attended the meeting. All the parties at the meeting mutually agreed that China Aluminum Group and Rio Tinto’s business cooperation entered a new historical stage. So, they think this close association should be continued to keep exchanging cooperation opportunities. Rio Tinto’s Chairman Dominic Barton and his team, accompanied by Duan Xiangdong and Dong Jianxiong, also visited Yunnan Aluminum Co., Ltd.,...
Africa’s primary aluminium production in Nov’23 marks M-o-M fall of 5%; Y-T-D output drops 1.35%
According to the International Aluminium Institute data, primary aluminium production in Africa amounted to 132,000 tonnes during November 2023, bringing the total output to 1.46 million tonnes in eleven months. The production in November fell by 7,000 tonnes or 5.04 per cent month-on-month from 139,000 tonnes but grew by 6,000 tonnes or 4.76 per cent from 126,000 tonnes. The month-on-month decline in November 2023 followed a hike in the previous month by 4.5 per cent from 133,000 tonnes to 139,000 tonnes. The total production from January to November 2023 also marked a drop of 1.35 per cent from 1.48 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. Africa’s daily average production in November 2023 was 4,400 tonnes, down by 100 tonnes from the previous month and up by...
China’s aluminium billet inventories close this week at 21% lower: SMM
According to the Shanghai Metals Market data, aluminium billet inventories in China have recorded a plunge of 17,300 tonnes or 21.05 per cent week-on-week across the five major Chinese consumption areas. Thus, the inventories have come in at 64,900 tonnes on December 21 compared to 82,200 tonnes on December 14. The W-o-W decline on December 21 was primarily contributed by Foshan, followed by Huzhou and Wuxi. The chart below indicates the current status of Chinese aluminium billet inventories in more details: In Foshan, aluminium billet inventories shrank by 9,800 tonnes from a week ago to settle at 30,100 tonnes as of December 21. Huzhou is the second-highest contributor to the weekly downfall in China’s aluminium billet inventories, as the province recorded a fall of 4,000 tonnes to...
US aluminium scrap exports record a sequential dip of 2% in Q3 2023, contributed by a fall in India’s imports
In Q3 2023, which ended September 30, the United States exported 532,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap compared to 543,000 tonnes in the previous quarter, according to the US Geological Survey data. That recorded a sequential decline of 2.03 per cent, following a quarter-on-quarter rise of 7.1 per cent in Q2 from 507,000 tonnes. In September, the United States aluminium scrap exports stood at 180,000 tonnes, reflecting an increase of only 1,000 tonnes from 179,000 tonnes in August. On a year-on-year basis, the exports edged a hike of 10,000 tonnes or 5.88 per cent from 170,000 tonnes. In nine months, the United States aluminium scrap exports totalled 1.57 million tonnes, up by 3.97 per cent from 1.51 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the last year. India, the highest importer...
Hydro reports impairment losses of about NOK 5.9 billion for Q4 2023 due to poor alumina market condition
Norsk Hydro ASA, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, reports estimated impairment losses of NOK 5.9 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023 to be ended on December 31. Challenging alumina market condition coupled with Australian power price insecurity caused this loss to Hydro. “The bauxite and alumina operations are a key enabler for Hydro to pioneer the green aluminium transition by significantly reducing the upstream carbon footprint. In the short and medium term, we see challenging alumina markets and weak cash flow generation in B&A coming from market volatility in times of geopolitical turmoil, impacting the current valuation of the assets,” says President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim. She added, “Longer term, we expect a higher share of greener earnings in B&A, as we...
IAI finds world primary aluminium output at 64.5 Mt during Jan-Nov’23; AL Circle projects 70.01 Mt by year-end
The latest data from the International Aluminium Institute indicates a 2.21 per cent rise in the world’s year-to-date primary aluminium production to 64.516 million tonnes at the end of November 2023. During the same period last year, the world’s primary aluminium output was at 63.119 million tonnes. According to AL Circle’s prediction for 2023, the world’s primary aluminium output is estimated to stand at 70.01 million tonnes, meaning the world’s production will need to reach 5.494 million tonnes in December to meet the expected figure. Considering the average monthly production, the global primary aluminium output will most likely match AL Circle’s estimation at the end of 2023 unless any significant decline occurs in December’s output. According to IAI data, primary aluminium...
EU and US mutually extend tariffs suspension on aluminium and steel
On December 19, the European Union announced that it would extend the suspension of its rebalancing tariffs on US products until March 31, 2025. This decision comes in return as the United States also prolongs the suspension of its tariffs on the EU, considering the historical trade volumes reflected in the Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) system established in January 2022. Initially, the rebalancing tariffs were implemented by the European Union during the Trump Presidency in response to the US “Section 232” tariffs on aluminium and steel. In 2018, the United States levied €6.4 billion in tariffs on European aluminium and steel exports. In return, the European Union introduced rebalancing tariffs of €2.8 billion on US exports. In 2022, the EU suspended these tariffs entirely until December 31,...
Sumitomo Chemical acquires ASI dual certification for chemical alumina & high-purity alumina production
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has acknowledged Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. against Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the production of chemical aluminium hydroxide, chemical alumina, high-purity alumina, and high-purity aluminium at its Ehime Works facility in Niihama City, Japan. Sumitomo’s aluminium is used in electrolytic capacitators foils, liquid crystal displays, and wiring for semiconductors. Its alumina is used in integrated circuit packages and automobile spark plugs, while its high-purity alumina is used in lithium-ion battery materials and ceramic components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The ASI Certification programme was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the...
Aughinish Alumina reapplies for permission to expand alumina waste disposal area
Aughinish Alumina refinery, the largest refinery in Europe and the largest alumina facility operated by UC Rusal has reportedly reapplied for planning permission to expand its factory’s waste disposal area near the banks of the Shannon Estuary. Environmental group Futureproof Clare said it is steadfast in its opposition to the expansion proposal, claiming that it has no proper planning or sustainable vision. Initially, An Bórd Pleanála, an independent, statutory, quasi-judicial body, granted permission for the expansion last year. But later on, Futureproof Clare appealed to the High Court to challenge the consent. Aughinish Alumina’s first application for permission to expand the waste disposal area, which is used for stockpiling leftover bauxite residue, dates back to December 2021....
US alumina imports till Q3 2023 reached 1 million tonnes with a range-bound quarterly growth
The United States alumina imports in the first nine months of 2023, ending September 30, touched the 1 million tonnes level but marked a year-on-year downfall of 27 per cent from 1.37 million tonnes, according to the USGS data. The country’s alumina imports had been sluggish since the beginning of the year, amounting to 323,000 tonnes in Q1 2023 versus 445,000 tonnes in Q4 2022. Although in the two successive quarters, the imports grew Q-o-Q but remained range-bound and registered sharp downfalls compared to the previous year. For instance, in Q2 2023, the US alumina imports grew quarter-on-quarter by 2.8 per cent to 332,000 tonnes but stood 31.4 per cent lower Y-o-Y than 484,000 tonnes. In Q3 2023, witnessing a similar trend, the imports increased Q-o-Q by 3.92 per cent to 345,000 tonnes...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price registers a W-o-W hike of RMB520/t; Input costs expand over weekend
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, A00 aluminium ingot price has increased over the weekend for the fifth day in a row by RMB 130 per tonne to reach RMB 18,900 per tonne on December 18. Thus, on a week-on-week basis, China’s primary aluminium ingot price has hiked by RMB 520 per tonne from RMB 18,380 per tonne, attributed to aluminium operating capacity drop, particularly in Yunnan, due to renewable power shortages. The average prices are estimated to range between RMB 18,880 per tonne and RMB 18,920 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a premium price of RMB 10-50 per tonne. In Chongqing, A00 aluminium ingot price has surged by RMB 210 per tonne over the weekend to RMB 19,030 per tonne, followed by an increase of RMB 130 per tonne in Hangzhou to RMB 18,900 per...
ASI greets Oman Aluminium Processing Industries as a Production & Transformation member
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has recently added a Middle Eastern aluminium rod manufacturing company to its Production and Transformation membership. According to an ASI report, the non-profit organisation has welcomed Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL) as a new Production and Transformation member. OAPIL is Oman’s leading aluminium rod and overhead line conductor manufacturer. It was established in 2008 as a joint venture between two prestigious business groups - Oman Cables Industry SAOG and Takamul Investments Co (SAOC). With incomparable and skilled international workforce, OAPIL is a vital organisation in the Sultanate’s Aluminium and Electrical Transmission sector. The company started its first commercial production in July 2010 and since then has been shaping the...
China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in Oct’23 grow 17.5% M-o-M buoyed by outstanding orders
According to the China customs data, China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in October 2023 were recorded at 108,900 tonnes, up 17.5 per cent M-o-M and 9.2 per cent Y-o-Y. From January to October 2023, total imports stood at 907,800 tonnes, reflecting a 15.9 per cent fall Y-o-Y. China’s export volume of unwrought aluminium alloy was 15,400 tonnes in October 2023, registering a year-on-year decline of 15.6 per cent and M-o-M fall of 45.1 per cent. The increase in China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in October was primarily due to the outstanding orders from August and September. Domestic aluminium prices kept increasing in September, reaching above RMB 19,000 per tonne, while overseas quotations remained stable at $2,240-2,270 per tonne, encouraging imports in the said month....
US primary aluminium production drop continues till September 2023
According to the latest data from the US Geological Survey, the United States' primary aluminium production in September 2023 stood at 60,000 tonnes, marking an extended month-on-month dip of 2,000 tonnes or 3.23 per cent. In August 2023, the United States' primary aluminium output had also seen a fall of 2,000 tonnes month-on-month to 62,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year calculation, the United States' primary aluminium production in September 2023 registered a fall of 1,000 tonnes from 61,000 tonnes. The average daily production in September 2023 was 1,990 tonnes, negligibly down from 2,000 tonnes in August. On an annual basis, the daily average output edged a drop of 1.49 per cent from 2,020 tonnes. USGS data showed that in September 2023, the total aluminium recovered from scrap was...
Vedanta Aluminium to deploy an advanced pot lining design across its smelters to reduce energy consumption
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, has reportedly achieved a breakthrough in aluminium smelting technique that would reduce energy consumption and curb carbon emissions. On National Energy Conservation Day, Vedanta announced that its new energy-efficient technique, an advanced pot lining design, is ready to be deployed at its smelters to reduce energy consumption by up to 250 kWh per tonne of aluminium produced. Vedanta’s new advanced pot lining design provides a dual advantage by boosting the smelters' energy efficiency and enhancing the smelting pots' lifespan. The new pot lining design will be installed across Vedanta’s smelters, including Jharsuguda in Odisha and BALCO in Korba, Chhattisgarh. The smelters house several potlines, which are long buildings within the...
