AlCircle News Edited By "Pratyusha Chatterjee"
A writer with 5+ years of experience in the communication industry, Pratyusha Chatterjee has indulged in content from the business, lifestyle, travel industries and more. Apart from news and content, Pratyusha is immensely fond of participating in cultural events and managing them.
Global leaders condemn US tariff escalations leading to a deepening trade rift
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global economic community, US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs, notably a 25 per cent levy on steel and aluminium imports. This aggressive stance has elicited a chorus of reactions from world leaders, each grappling with the implications for their respective economies and the broader international trade landscape. Image for representational purposes only Iran is not in agreement to bend or, fend or mend “Won’t negotiate, do whatever the hell you want”, said the Iran President to Trump. “It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want”, state media quoted Masoud Pezeshkian as saying. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on...
Jamalco announces investment of $70m in lifespan extension project — ‘sensitive land’ issue dangles in path of progress
Jamalco, Jamaica’s premier bauxite mining and alumina refining enterprise, has unveiled a whopping investment of USD 70.5 million (JMD 11 billion) aimed at prolonging the operational life of its mining activities by tapping into additional bauxite reserves in Manchester. Image for representational purposes only The earmarked capital expenditure is slated for mine development and the installation of advanced equipment over a three-year span, from 2025 to 2027. This initiative is integral to Jamalco’s ‘Project Restore’, which seeks to enhance the refinery’s feed and ensure a consistent bauxite supply. Jamalco’s history of resource management relies on grade control sampling and the avoidance large reserve inventories. It utilises auger drilling for exploration, with assays or testing of the...
Novelis pioneers 100% recycled end-of-life aluminium coils for car bodies
Novelis has just pulled off something big! They have rolled out the world's first aluminium coil made entirely from 100 per cent recycled, end-of-life automotive scrap. This is one of the major breakthroughs for the European automotive market and a huge leap towards a more circular and sustainable future. Image source: Linkedin (Novelis) What makes this even more impressive? This pilot material isn’t just a green gimmick — it’s strong, sleek, and perfectly suited for car body outer skins, meeting the highest standards for surface quality and formability. In short, it’s proof that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Novelis has long been on a mission to boost the recycled content in its products, working hand in hand with automakers and industry partners. This latest...
Ukraine and Russia edge toward ceasefire, sparking hopes for aluminium trade rebound
War-ridden Ukraine and Russia have faced multi-disciplinary trade and economic losses for the past decade. The war, which escalated dramatically in 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has left both nations grappling with shattered economies. Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the European Union (EU), choking its trade routes and cutting off key industries from global markets. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s critical mineral deals have faced uncertainty, and its infrastructure, including key industrial zones — has suffered extensive damage, further crippling its economic output. Image for representational purposes only The conflict stems from Russia’s demand for a ban on Ukraine ever joining the NATO military alliance — a move Moscow views as a direct threat to its sphere of influence. Russian...
EU hits back with a billion-euro counterpunch as persuasive tactics fail to tackle US tariffs
The US steel and aluminium tariff has come into effect from March 12, and in response to it, the European Commission has launched immediate countermeasures on US imports into the European Union (EU). In a decisive retaliation against the US steel and aluminium tariffs, the European Commission has unveiled a package of countermeasures targeting US imports worth up to EUR 26 billion. The move signals a firm stance: if the US chooses to escalate the trade conflict, the EU will respond with equal force. Persuasion strategy tastes the dust President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, a steep 25 per cent on industrial steel and aluminium imports — took effect on March 12, impacting an estimated USD 28 billion in EU exports. This isn’t entirely unexpected. Trump has long expressed his scepticism of...
Back-and-forth announcements, retaliatory tariffs and uncertain timelines hog US aluminium businesses
A couple of days after implementing the 25 per cent tariff on all aluminium and steel imports, US President Donald Trump exempted neighbouring nations Canada and Mexico from tariffs, but only for commodities included in the trade agreement of 2019 — the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, the tariff payments made between March 4 and March 6 — when importers had already paid for goods in transit — will not be refunded, according to White House officials. Image source: https://mr.usembassy.gov/ In a fresh twist, mere hours after threatening to end Canada's exemption, the US has now imposed a staggering 50 per cent tariff just as Canada attempted to negotiate by leveraging energy supply tariffs from them to the US. Official statements regarding the exemption are...
From metal mogul to mastermind: Trader’s $1 billion aluminium scam ends in life sentence
The aluminium trade scammer involved in the metal inventory fraudulence in China that havocked more than USD 1 billion in losses nationwide businesses has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a judicial court in the eastern province of Zhejiang. Image for representational purposes only Chen Xi, who managed quite a few trading houses and warehousing firms, was jailed in June 2022 over his involvement in a high-profile over-pledging ruse when borrowers discovered that the metal they had invested in was nothing but thin air. As mentioned by Bloomberg, the court decree quoted him as the architect and directed Xi’s personal possessions to be seized by the state. This tops the string of high-profile metal fraud controversies that shocked the industry in the past years. Chen’s stance was about...
Aluminium alloy ingot prices take a wild turn, with record highs in the US and slumping in China
It’s a tale of two markets, wherein aluminium alloy ingot prices in China are stuck in the mud owing to downsized demand, and the US is witnessing an explosive spike, fuelled by tariffs and supply strains. Let’s break down what’s happening on the opposite sides of the globe. China is stuck in a demand drought In late February 2025, aluminium alloy ingot prices in China dipped by 0.4 per cent, dragged down by one relentless factor — weak demand. Market participants report that even though work has resumed across upstream and downstream sectors, overall demand remains painfully soft. The result? A glut in supply coupled with meek demand from across the nation’s businesses ultimately kept the prices firmly range-bound. According to Shanghai Metals Market data, On February 18, secondary...
An open question: Is Trump postponing tariff implementation to balance trade and buy some time for critical mineral agreement finalisation?
In a period defined by high-stakes trade battles and international power plays, few episodes have captured as much attention as the Trump administration’s sudden decision to postpone tariffs on Canada and Mexico. With a punchy mix of economic strategy and geopolitical manoeuvring, this move has been dissected from every angle—from trade negotiations to resource security and even to controversial diplomatic meetings with Ukraine. In a clear-cut policy shift, the Trump administration announced that the planned tariffs on key imports from Canada and Mexico, tariffs initially slated to hit the markets with full force, would be delayed. Official statements at the time emphasised that this postponement was meant to provide room for further trade negotiations and to secure better terms for US...
Balada bauxite mining project under pressure; Environmental clearance opposed by local protestants
Tensions ran high on Thursday as a public hearing for the proposed Balada bauxite mining project in Nandapur block witnessed strong opposition from local villagers. The meeting, orchestrated by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in line with Ministry of Forest and Environment guidelines, aimed to gather feedback on the environmental impact of the project. But, the villagers’ message was loud and clear: No to mining. Image for referential purposes only The hearing, which was presided over by Additional District Magistrate Alomani Sethi and OSPCB Regional Officer Dipesh Biswal, drew participation from residents of five panchayats — Balda, Bheja, Kulwbir, Atanda, and Badel, representing 30 villages. However, the crowd was less interested in negotiations and more focused on...
Net-zero derailed: BP's fiery oil gambit ignites climate fury, betting big on market comeback
Amid a turbulent market and a rapidly shifting energy landscape, BP (formerly known as British Petroleum) has embarked on a bold strategic pivot that has sent ripples through both the financial and environmental communities. Image for referential purposes only The incident, which caught the eyeballs of climate activists The London-based energy giant, once celebrated for its progressive green ambitions, has decided to reallocate its focus back to its historically profitable oil and gas production. This dramatic turnaround, revealed in the company’s “Reset BP” announcement, comes on the heels of a year marked by staggering share price declines and the desperate hope of reviving investor confidence through increased earnings and boosted shareholder returns. In a move that has sparked fierce...
Aluminium giant seeks 14% premium hike in Q2, a surging trend set owing to trade and supply concerns
A leading global aluminium manufacturing giant has recently sought a premium of USD 260 per tonne from Japanese buyers for April-June (Q2) primary metal shipments, which is a notable 14 per cent increase from the current quarter (Q1, 2025). This development is nothing but a ripple effect of the persistent volatility in the primary metals market, a simultaneous event along with geopolitical tensions and production constraints continuing to reshape global supply chains. Image Source: Wikipedia Japan, a major importer of aluminium in Asia, plays a pivotal role in regional price formation. The premiums for primary metal shipments are determined quarterly over the London Metal Exchange cash price (CMAL0), a benchmark that reflects prevailing market conditions. Japanese buyers had agreed to a...
Investors call the shots — speculative moves eclipse policy shifts in carbon markets
Policy tweaks have played a major role in the European carbon prices — but in the recent couple of days what seems to be the real driver behind is investor behaviour. As the European Commission tweaks with its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), traders and funds are calling the shots, slashing positions in the EU market while doubling down in the UK. Image Source: https://www.worldbank.org/ Investor exodus hits EUAs European carbon allowances (EUAs) fell during the week ending February 28, with December 2025 contracts trading at EURO 72.26 per tonne CO2e (USD 75.19 per tonne CO2e) at 12:45 GMT, down about 4 per cent from the previous week, according to Intercontinental Exchange data. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, pegged the December 2025 EUA contract at EURO 72.72...
Government under fire over fresh bout of water supply contamination allegation on Alcoa
The Western Australian government faces mounting pressure to defend its commitment to safeguarding Perth's drinking water following a fresh set of revelations about potential contamination risks linked to Alcoa's mining operations on the city's outskirts. Picture for representational purposes only The US mining giant, long accused of jeopardising water safety, has drawn criticism for failing to adequately restore the Jarrah forest, which it has reportedly cleared at its bauxite mine sites. Over the years, Alcoa's operations have edged close to Serpentine Dam, a critical drinking water source, heightening fears of water quality risks. While there is no evidence that Alcoa's activities have directly impacted Perth's water supply, newly obtained documents are declared to paint a more...
Britain’s path to net zero is furthermore challenging as CCC presents stringent moves
Britain is yet again at a turning point in its climate journey, with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) laying down a bold and urgent roadmap to hit net zero by 2050. The message is clear: ditch fossil fuels, embrace electric vehicles and heat pumps, and rethink diets — all while unlocking new economic opportunities. Ambitious climate targets The CCC’s latest carbon budget doesn’t pull any punches — in its seventh carbon budget, the CCC has outlined the need for Britain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 87 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2040, a crucial step towards meeting its net zero target. This updated goal builds upon Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge at last year’s UN COP29 climate summit, where Britain committed to cutting emissions by 81 per cent by 2035. The...
Transforming the aluminium industry: How innovation, automation, and sustainability are shaping the future
The aluminium industry is at the precipice of a technological revolution. With growing demands for energy efficiency, sustainability, and productivity, industry leaders are pushing the boundaries of technological or rather digital innovation to stay ahead. Companies like Quaker Houghton, Granco Clark, Hacklab Solutions, and Hamilton Research & Technology are driving these changes, harnessing advanced technologies to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable aluminium manufacturing processes. Smart automation: The backbone of modern aluminium production Automation has evolved from a mere productivity tool to an essential component of modern aluminium plants. Granco Clark, a leader in aluminium extrusion technology, has embraced adaptive technology to optimise operations. “At Granco...
CBAM vs. FTA: India’s balancing act to tackle climate costs and trade deals with EU
India is walking a razor’s edge. On one side, the promise of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) — a gateway to stronger economic ties. On the other, the looming shadow of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — the EU’s carbon tariff that threatens to squeeze India’s exports of steel, aluminium, and cement. Image Source: European Council on Foreign Relations While several countries, including China, South Africa, Russia and Brazil, have taken the EU to the World Trade Organisation regarding CBAM, rather commonly known as ‘carbon tax’, India is yet to officially take any step mostly as both the parties are on the path of negotiation for trade tariff exemption. However, India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush...
India trade update: Hindalco, Nalco, Vedanta lose stock value while others follow suit
This week, stocks of three Indian aluminium giants, Hindalco, NALCO and Vedanta, have slid downwards for two consecutive sessions. On February 25, shares of Nalco fell 10 per cent in two single-day trading sessions, whereas Vedanta and Hindalco lost 5 per cent to 7 per cent, respectively. Other known names, including Jindal, similarly lost up to 3 per cent on the same day. This incident was a ripple effect of ascending scepticism around tariffs coupled with muted third-quarter earnings for the current fiscal. The Nifty Metal index fell by 1.2 per cent, with 11 out of its 15 constituents in the red. Market analysts are predicting that this incident is not just a blip, but a sign of continued volatility. The shortened trading week and the impending derivatives expiry are historical factors...
