AlCircle News Edited By "Nilanjana Banerjee"
Nilanjana Banerjee is a new leaf on this branch of AL Circle. is a spontaneous author and she writes on inspiration and purpose, not by design. Her penmanship is replete with sensitivity and depth.
LME aluminium price graph drops below $3,300/t as stocks report a 0.67% decline
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price graph reported major declines of over 1 per cent across the pricing and contract segments on the August 13 close, continuing the trend reported at the August 12 session . The LME aluminium cash bid pulled back by 0.88 per cent day-on-day on August 13, down to USD 3,278 per tonne from USD 3,307 per tonne. The offer shifted to USD 3,279 per tonne from USD 3,307.5 per tonne, marking a difference of 0.86 per cent. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook On August 13, the LME aluminium three-month bid price contracted to USD 3,274 per tonne from USD 3,308 per tonne on August 12, reporting a 1.03 per cent drop. The offer...
From 1.27Mt to 1.02Mt: How China’s aluminium extrusion export equation changed in 2025
Leading aluminium producer and exporter China has reported a 2025 trade trend where the trade indicator appears on a declining graph. The trade volume, inclusive of all aluminium products, dipped from 6.66 million tonnes in 2024 to 6.13 million tonnes exported in 2025. Out of the 2025 figure, aluminium bars, rods, profiles, pipes and tubes, and tube or pipe fittings accounted for 1.02 million tonnes or 16.64 per cent. Zooming in on the year-to-date figures, China’s export chart has been like this: YTD May 2026 – 408,773 tonnes, up 3.72 per cent Y-o-Y from 394,104 tonnes in YTD May 2025 YTD May 2025 – 394,104 tonnes, down 20.44 per cent Y-o-Y from 495,366 tonnes in YTD May 2024 The drastic dip can also be traced in China’s annual aluminium extrusion export volume, whereby China’s 1.02...
LME aluminium price drops by nearly 2% across cash and contracts on August 12
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price chart reported major declines of nearly 2 per cent across the pricing and contract segments on the August 12 close after an improvement was noticed on the August 11 session . The LME aluminium cash bid eased 1.93 per cent day-on-day on August 12, down from USD 3,372 per tonne to USD 3,307 per tonne. The offer shifted from USD 3,373 per tonne to USD 3,307.5 per tonne, representing a difference of 1.94 per cent. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook On August 12, the LME aluminium three-month bid price slipped from USD 3,373 per tonne on August 11 to USD 3,308 per tonne, marking a similar 1.93 per cent drop. The...
Baheti Recycling starts FY27 strong: Revenue jumps 89% on aluminium demand
Aluminium recycler and aluminium alloy producer Baheti Recycling Industries Limited (NSE: BAHETI) has begun FY2027 strong, with its revenues for the first quarter of the financial year of 2027 (Q1 FY27) rising 88.9 per cent year-on-year to INR 2.54 billion (USD 26.6 million). The performance was propelled by sustained demand in its core aluminium recycling businesses, improved product mix and consistent execution. Baheti Recycling recorded net total revenue of INR 2.54 billion (USD 26.6 million) in Q1 FY27, compared with INR 1.34 billion (USD 14.09 million) in Q1 FY26, translating into an 88.9 per cent Y-o-Y increase. The sharp jump is a major improvement in the company’s top line at the beginning of the new financial year. To know the aluminium casting demand forecast in the construction...
US aluminium tariffs face a new test: Can downstream protection save domestic supply chain?
As the US Section 232 aluminium tariff framework issued by Donald Trump absorbs the import of aluminium downstream, semi-finished products and finished goods, it is expected to remove the original loopholes leading in the tariff wall. The point is straightforward: protecting primary metal alone does not necessarily protect the manufacturers that convert it into extrusions, rolled products, tubes and other value-added goods. A tariff wall around downstream products is therefore being presented as a way to prevent imported finished goods from gaining a cost advantage over US manufacturers that already face elevated domestic aluminium costs. The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) opines that the imbalance between declining primary aluminium imports and rising downstream aluminium...
Boeing approves Quaker Houghton’s coolant for aerospace aluminium alloys
Quaker Houghton has strengthened its position in the aerospace manufacturing sector by securing Boeing BAC 5008 approval for its Hocut 4260 metalworking coolant, expanding its portfolio of certified solutions for machining aluminium alloys and other high-performance aerospace materials. The approval reinforces the product’s suitability for critical aerospace production, where manufacturers require high-performance coolant technologies that improve machining efficiency, extend tool life and comply with stringent environmental standards. Jonathan Dilley, Global Director of Aerospace and Defence at Quaker Houghton, stated, “Earning Boeing’s BAC 5008 approval is a significant milestone for Hocut 4260 and a testament to the fluid’s consistent performance in the most demanding aerospace...
Century Aluminum record Q2 profit as stronger prices, Mt Holly restart lift H1 earnings
Century Aluminum has reported record second-quarter (Q2) 2026 financial results, backed by stronger aluminium prices, increased shipments and higher production driven by the completion of the Mt Holly restart and the recovery of operations at its Grundartangi smelter. The robust quarterly performance also lifted the company’s first-half (H1) earnings well above the corresponding period last year, indicating improved market conditions and operational execution. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Report Financial performance comparison: H1 2026 vs H1 2025 Combining the first and second quarters, Century Aluminum reported H1 2026 with gains by wide margins in...
Luxury meets aluminium: DELSEY PARIS debuts Alu’r luggage collection in India
Mon ami, are you ready for a vacation? Because premium travel just received a sleek aluminium makeover. French luggage brand DELSEY PARIS has introduced Alu’r, its first-ever aluminium luggage collection, in India as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, while reinforcing its focus on the country's fast-growing premium travel market. Available exclusively on Tata CLiQ Luxury, the Alu’r collection comes in Pop Orange, Silver and Black, offering travellers a combination of luxury styling, durability and smart functionality. To learn about the future of aluminium in the packaging industry, explore our report “ ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics ” Built with a brushed aluminium shell featuring a carbon fibre-inspired texture, the collection is designed for those...
CBA posts record Q2’26 earnings as aluminium prices lift EBITDA 273%
Brazilian low-carbon aluminium producer Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) posted its best-ever quarterly result in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, driven by record London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices, increased sales volumes, better product mix and continued operational efficiencies. CBA noted that it was back in profit, with revenue and EBITDA both registering huge year-on-year gains, highlighting the company’s recovery propelled by favourable market conditions. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook Financial highlights: Q2 2026 vs Q2 2025 Compared with the Q2 2025, CBA reported significant year-on-year improvements across nearly all key...
Middle East conflict revives Pentagon concerns over US high-purity aluminium supply
A Pentagon-led simulation has brought fresh attention to the US’ dependence on imported high-purity aluminium, a critical raw material used in military aircraft, armoured vehicles and other defence applications. Conducted months before recent disruptions spurred by the Middle East conflict, the exercise had the US aluminium supply chain in focus. It examined how the US aluminium supply chain would respond during a major geopolitical conflict and identified high-purity aluminium as one of the most exposed segments of the country’s defence industrial base. The findings have gained renewed relevance following the Iranian missile attacks on the aluminium facilities of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) in the Middle East or Gulf region on March 28, 2026. Although...
Oswego restart, Bay Minette aluminium project fuel Novelis’ 71% Q1 FY27 profit
Hindalco subsidiary Novelis has expanded its aluminium rolling and recycling footprint through the continued commissioning of its Bay Minette greenfield site in Alabama and the restart of its Oswego hot mill in New York . The twin milestones propelled the company’s performance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 (Q1 FY2027), backed by higher aluminium prices, operational efficiencies and steady demand for sustainable aluminium solutions. Steve Fisher, President and CEO of Novelis, said, "We are pleased to start the new fiscal year on a positive note, supported by strong execution, favourable market trends and continued demand for sustainable aluminium solutions." Unlock in-depth insights into the extrusion segment of the global aluminium industry with The World of Aluminium...
Hindalco, NALCO, Tata Steel or Jindal: Who gains most from aluminium price rally?
The sharp aluminium price rally , propelled by geopolitical tensions from the Middle East conflict and resulting supply-side disruptions , has renewed investor interest in India’s metal sector. According to a report by PL Capital , elevated London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices , coupled with lower alumina costs, are expected to boost earnings for aluminium producers, placing companies such as Hindalco Industries and National Aluminium Company (NALCO) in the spotlight. While aluminium prices have climbed to record highs, PL Capital noted that the global alumina market is still oversupplied. The weaker alumina price and stronger LME aluminium price ratio is likely to help Chinese aluminium smelters post healthy financial performance in calendar year 2026. Explore- Most comprehensive...
Alba’s AI leap: New turbine monitoring system to enhance plant efficiency
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has collaborated with the Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST) to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)- based monitoring system for gas turbines at Power Station 4. The initiative aims to improve predictive maintenance capabilities as well as operational efficiency. Developed by NCST’s AI research and development team, the platform would be continuously monitoring the GT-51, GT-52, GT-61 and GT-62 gas turbines, offering advanced analytics to help minimise the risk of unexpected equipment failures while backing faster, data-based maintenance choices. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Report The AI system evaluates critical...
Asian aluminium bar, rod, profile trade: Vietnam tracks China’s 18% dip as Malaysia gains 21%
As global demand for value-added aluminium products continues to rise across construction, automotive, renewable energy, electrical equipment and industrial manufacturing, aluminium bars, rods and profiles have become one of the most actively traded downstream products. Asia remains at the crucial juncture of this trade, serving both as the world’s largest production hub and one of its biggest consumption markets. Shaping this market from both the supply and demand sides, ten key Asian economies have gained prominence. On the export front, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia emerged as the region’s top suppliers. On the import side, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India and Thailand ranked as the leading buyers. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Vietnam appear on both supplying and sourcing lists. A...
LME aluminium price crosses $3,200/t mark; cash gains 2%, stocks drop to 264,400t
The first trading session of August opened with the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price graph exceeding the USD 3,200-per-tonne mark across both pricing and contract segments. Meanwhile, similar to the previous trading session , stocks continued to dip, indicating steady withdrawal from the aluminium inventory. The LME aluminium cash bid and offer prices jumped 2 per cent day-on-day on August 3. The bid rose USD 3,195 per tonne to USD 3,259 per tonne, and the offer shifted from USD 3,196 per tonne to USD 3,260 per tonne. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Report On August 3, the LME aluminium three-month bid price improved by 0.99 per cent to USD 3,210...
Will domestic content rules reshape the future of US aluminium extrusion? AEC President weighs in
As the US strengthens domestic manufacturing under clean energy incentives, aluminium extrusion is becoming central to policy debates. In this exclusive interview, Aluminum Extruders Council President Jason Weber discusses domestic content rules, solar manufacturing, trade enforcement, sustainability, regional supply chains and how US aluminium extruders can strengthen competitiveness in the evolving global market. Jason Weber is President of the Aluminum Extruders Council. He has more than 30 years of experience in the aluminium business, including senior sales, marketing, and executive leadership positions with several major extrusion companies. As President of AEC, Jason works closely with industry leaders on workforce development, technical education, trade policy and enforcement,...
AL Circle Analysis: H1’26 bauxite export, softer alumina, new aluminium supply risks
The global aluminium value chain faced mixed signals in the first half (H1) of 2026, with production growth in key regions, evolving trade flows and emerging supply risks shaping the market. From Guinea’s record bauxite exports and China’s growing alumina and aluminium output to disruptions in Indonesia and the Middle East, offer important insights for producers, traders, suppliers and buyers. Guinea’s exports rise, miners under pressure, Africa seeks value addition During H1 2026, Guinea exported a record 114.8 million tonnes of bauxite , up 15 per cent year-on-year. Strong Chinese demand reinforced shipments despite rising operating costs for smaller mines. However, weak global bauxite prices, higher fuel and freight prices owing to the Middle East conflict and heavy rains have squeezed...
Beyond buying and selling: How AL Biz Assisted Trade joins the aluminium value chain
The aluminium industry is one of the most interconnected global supply chains, spanning bauxite miners, alumina refineries, smelters, recyclers, fabricators, traders and end-users. While each segment plays a critical role, businesses often operate with limited visibility in the market whenever the need arises to go beyond their immediate network, either for finding a new raw material source, reaching a global buyer or improving production efficiency. This is where a digital B2B marketplace is an important link in the aluminium ecosystem. Enter AL Biz , the digital integrated B2B marketplace for the aluminium value chain. Through its global platform, AL Biz brings together producers, suppliers, traders and buyers across the entire value chain, i.e., from bauxite and primary aluminium to...
