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.
China’s power goal ’26: Solar and wind energy smash records with 22% surge
中文翻译附于新闻末尾，敬请继续阅读。 According to the data shared by the National Energy Administration (NEA), China's newly installed solar and wind energy capacity has hit a record high by exceeding 430 million kilowatts in 2025. Marking a 22 per cent year-on-year surge, this development has provided a massive boost to the renewable energy sector. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report " Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The China Electricity Council projected China’s installed solar capacity to surpass coal within the next year, with the gap to widen in 2026. Notably, the rapid rise offered a major boost to both the cumulative grid-connected power capacity of solar and wind energy, lifting them to 1.84 billion kilowatts, which represents 47.3 per...
January for Japan: Aluminium stocks slip 1.5% at the ports of Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka
In its latest update on February 12, the trading house Marubeni Corporation reported the decline of aluminium stocks at three major ports of Japan, viz., Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka. Stocks at the close of January settled at 312,200 tonnes, indicating a 1.5 per cent drop from the previous month (December 2025), which stood around 333904 tonnes. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain In comparison with the previous year , aluminium stocks at the end of January 2025 closed at 324,700 tonnes, with Yokohama stocks at 135,400 tonnes, Nagoya at 170,200 tonnes and Osaka at 19,100 tonnes. Comparing the results in January 2025 with those in January 2026, the month-on-month analysis shows a decline of 3.85 per cent....
Global market faces tariff impact, reveals aluminium supply chain vulnerabilities
A major US aluminium buyer’s planned spot-market purchase of USD 218 million indicates the role of tariff-driven trade policies in reshaping market dynamics, procurement strategies and amplifying risks in the aluminium supply chain across North America. Arconic’s bid to secure 90 million pounds (40,823 tonnes), accounting for around 10 per cent of monthly US aluminium consumption, suggests a shift away from long-term contracts towards spot-market exposure and uncertainty due to the 50 per cent aluminium import tariff regime. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Global aluminium price gap and market volatility Tariffs have led to the surge of the US Midwest aluminium premium to an estimated USD 1.03 per...
Despite a soft Q4, Crown Holdings marches on with a steady financial growth in FY25
Philadelphia-based sustainable aluminium beverage can manufacturer , Crown Holdings, Inc., has released its fourth quarter (Q4) and full FY25 financial results, demonstrating record achievements in 2025. These were guided by better efficiency, operational optimisation, cost discipline, and strong cash generation across packaging segments, despite lingering cost and regional volume pressures. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Regarding the annual financial performance, Kevin C. Clothier, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Crown Holdings, commented, "We had an excellent year in 2025 with adjusted EPS up 22 per cent to USD 7.79 and we generated record adjusted free cash flow of...
LME aluminium prices recover with cash offers at $3,098/t while inventories follow a declining trend
From the previous close, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices recovered with a steady increase. The LME inventory side, however, followed the declining trend of the previous sessions, suggesting a global supply shortage of metal outflow. On February 11, the LME cash bid increased by 1.09 per cent from USD 3,062.5 per tonne to USD 3,096 per tonne. Following the increasing graph, the cash offer price went up from USD 3,063 per tonne to USD 3,098 per tonne, marking a 1.14 per cent rise. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ” The 3-month bid and offer showed a similar hike, the bid rising with a 1.13 per cent increase from USD 3,091 per tonne on February 10 to USD 3,126 per tonne on February...
US gallium strategy: A supply network to weaken China’s critical mineral monopoly
Gallium, an easy-to-melt critical mineral, has been emerging as a strategic resource in defence, semiconductor, and electric vehicle supply chains. At present, with the majority of gallium supply originating from China, the United States is motivated to accelerate efforts to diversify its sourcing. The Trump administration is committing a massive investment to form a domestic and allied gallium supply network to reduce reliance on Chinese critical mineral sources. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain A major project in the works is Alcoa’s Wagerup refinery in Western Australia , where trace gallium found in bauxite is to be extracted through a newly designed processing plant. Apart from the EU-US...
Operation, production, or automation: why the job cuts in the aluminium industry?
Throughout 2025, the aluminium industry news recorded several instances of job cuts due to factors like output optimisation, tariff onus leading to production cuts and technological advancements. Companies like Alcoa, Rio Tinto, Emirates Global Aluminium, Norsk Hydro, Glencore etc. have reduced employees, indicating the ripple effect of cost and production optimisation across the majority of the aluminium value chain. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Alcoa’s cost-reduction drive in 2026 The most recent update in this domain is in February 2026, with a cost-cutting drive to set course across the alumina refining operations of the Pittsburgh-based Alcoa Corporation, a global industry leader in bauxite,...
With a remarkable capacity of 253.96 GW, India’s power sector advances towards a future in renewable energy
Renewable energy , a key element for a low-carbon future, has immensely flourished in the Indian power landscape. Electrification changes with solar energy, wind energy, hydropower etc., had begun with a nominal capacity of 76.37 GW in 2014, and India made significant progress in upgrading its energy sector in recent years. As of November 2025, the nation has attained a renewable energy capacity of 253.96 GW, denoting an increase of over 228 per cent . It is simultaneously meeting rising electricity demand in India and advancing sustainable practices. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain At present, India stands as renewable energy market that is the fourth-largest on the global platform. It reflects the...
LME aluminium prices record cash offer rising to $3,045/t while inventories slide downwards
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange rose sharply on February 6, with both cash and forward contracts reporting gains in contrast to the inventories, which followed a decline. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The LME aluminium cash bid price climbed to USD 3,044.5 per tonne on February 6 from USD 3,013.5 per tonne on February 5 , increasing by 1.03 per cent. The cash offer price also rose by 1.03 per cent, to USD 3,045 per tonne from USD 3,014 per tonne. In the forward market, the LME aluminium 3-month bid price increased to USD 3,063 on February 6 from USD 3,036 per tonne on February 5, a gain of 0.89 per cent. The 3-month offer price rose to USD 3,063.5 from USD 3,037 per tonne,...
Milaap by Vedanta Aluminium: An outreach turned into continued community engagement
The development journey of Kalahandi showcases trust as an equally essential factor as investment in any long-term progress. Vedanta Aluminium’s Milaap programme was designed as a periodical engagement platform rather than a one-time intervention. With each visit, building continuity and a deeper understanding over time, the dialogue between the villages and Vedanta Aluminium changed its nature for the better. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Building a community beyond the plant Under Milaap, company authorities leave plant premises to meet communities in village courtyards, schools, and shared spaces. Conversations cover varied topics such as agriculture, education, livelihoods, healthcare access,...
Vietnam ranks first, India comes second: Who are the giants in the PV manufacturing market?
A comparative industry analysis by IRENA has revealed that, apart from China, Vietnam emerges as the leading solar PV manufacturing centre with the lowest economic solar panel price. Striving to develop its solar PV base, India is maintaining second position in the cost-competitive race in the Asian solar sector. IRENA highlighted how factors like labour charge, tariff on electricity, policy support and supply-chain integration shape the cost dynamics in the PV manufacturing and solar panel prices in India. Thus, Vietnam leads the race with a narrow, but substantial lead, with India a close contender. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Vietnam leads the low-cost module production: how and why? The...
The US-Mexico pact: A 60-day plan to protect critical mineral trade
On January 5, Wednesday, the United States' (US) Trump administration and its neighbouring Mexico government unveiled a 60-day roadmap to draw up well-coordinated trade policies in order to safeguard critical minerals supply chains from being endangered. The plan is to consist of minimum prices for some particular imported minerals as well. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Although China or its stronghold over the critical minerals market was not mentioned in the agreement, the US and Mexico have made the mineral protection initiative clear. It comes months ahead of a mandatory US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review, though there was no mention of Canada in the USTR announcement or the joint...
Laos to gear up for aluminium smelting project with 1MT production capacity
The Sekong Province in Laos is to witness the development of a large-scale aluminium smelting project. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has notified that once operational, expected in 2028, it is set to deliver up to 1 million tonnes of aluminium production on an annual basis. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The project is being led by the Vietnam-Phuong Group (VPG). Spanning about 9,000 hectares, the USD 1 billion Bauxite-Alumina Mining Industrial Complex is located in the Dak Cheung district. Since the beginning of its construction in late 2022, it has been the largest mining investment made by Vietnam in Laos. The Lao government approved the project in September 2025, regarding it as a...
Alcoa in spotlight: Market outperformance driven by a cautious approach
Remaining in the spotlight among value-oriented metals stocks, the American Alcoa Corporation has been outperforming in the market. It has remained in focus, reinforced by high aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME). However, a more cautious approach may prove worthwhile and take the firm a long way. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain On January 27, Morgan Stanley downgraded Alcoa from Overweight to Equal Weight. Meanwhile, its price target was raised from USD 52 to USD 64. Though Alcoa continues to benefit from aluminium pricing hikes, it was noted that its recent outperformance relative to peers resulted in a more balanced risk-reward profile. Earlier, on January 23, Bank of America...
Impact Minerals’ quarterly report marks a success-driven approach in the annual 2025 landscape
Australian Impact Minerals Limited released its quarterly update for October-December 2025 on January 30, 2026. This report completes the full annual cycle of the progress in the Lake Hope High Purity Alumina (HPA) Project and the financial performance of the mineral mining company throughout the calendar year 2026. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Quarterly financial reports: December vs September ’25 A Quarter-on-Quarter (Q-o-Q) comparison between the December and September quarters of 2025 depicts a mixed cash flow performance. Operating cash flow weakened by 17.1 per cent, easing from AUD 580 thousand to AUD 481 thousand . Inversely, investing cash flow increased from AUD 732 thousand to AUD 1.09...
Why it didn’t work: The Kings Park Sponsorship by Alcoa
Alcoa’s proposed sponsorship agreement for Perth's Kings Park Everlasting Festival in Western Australia, worth AUD 200,000 with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority Board, has led to debates. Environmental organisations have raised concerns regarding the alignment between the company’s environmental track record and the park’s conservation values. Discussion has generated around how industrial companies can participate in environmental and community-focused partnerships while maintaining public confidence. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Stakeholders have pointed out the essentiality of corporate contributions complementing conservation goals. This plays a key role in maintaining transparency in...
Market staggers with a drastic decline in LME offers by 1.79% while inventories hold steady
Aluminium prices on London Metal Exchange (LME) dropped across most contracts on February 4, reflecting a drastic decline and broad pullback from the previous session, while exchange inventories continued with an unchanged record. The LME aluminium cash bid price continued to slip, reaching USD 3,047 per tonne on February 4 from USD 3,102 per tonne on February 3, a decline of 1.77 per cent. The cash offer price followed a similar trend, easing to USD 3047.5 per tonne from USD 3,103 per tonne, also down 1.79 per cent day-on-day. The futures market saw the LME aluminium 3-month bid price edging downwards to USD 3,075 per tonne, compared with USD 3,112.5 per tonne the previous day, recording a 1.2 per cent decrease. It was followed by the 3-month offer price, which slipped to USD 3,076 per...
Bauxite Hills ramp-up sets stage for Metro Mining’s growth amid rising bauxite demand
Positioned strategically due to the increasing global bauxite demand, the Australian bauxite producer Metro Mining is targeting a production ramp-up from its 7 million tonne expansion while catering to the diversified customer requirements. CEO and Managing Director Simon Wensley considers 2026 to bear great potential for the company, focusing on maximising value from its operation expansion at Cape York’s Bauxite Hills mine. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Referring to the strategic expansion announced to the market in late 2022, Wensley stated, “We’re really just trying to extract the maximum out of our 7 million tonne expansion.” Although seasonal maintenance put a temporary pause on production,...
