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.
China market update: Aluminium derivatives pricing trend decoded
Last week’s market has been all about dynamic pricing across the aluminium sector — both for AL as a product and, in turn, for the affected allied industries. The market spots records of resuming downstream production after a prolonged Chinese holiday break. Hence, owing to the growing bullish sentiment in the new-energy auto sector, prices for several key primary commodities (generally termed as primary or raw material) show distinctive trends that market participants should closely monitor. Aluminium: upward momentum with consolidated ranges Aluminium prices have registered a fair increase, with the LME average price rising by 0.46 per cent to USD 2,648 per tonne. In China, the mainstream SHFE price now stands at approximately RMB 20,720 per tonne (USD 2,890 per tonne), marking a 0.56...
A new hero in the AL business — wire rods grasp the global market, India’s notable footprint has not gone unnoticed
Aluminium wire rods may not grab headlines daily, but they are the silent workhorses powering everything from the lights in our homes to the vehicles on the road. These cylindrical rods, celebrated for their high conductivity, strength, and adaptability, are vital to electrical transmission systems, building infrastructure, and manufacturing processes. What makes aluminium wire rods so special? Their excellent conductivity and lightweight properties make them the go-to choice for cable production, overhead power lines, and electrical wiring. Beyond the electrical world, their corrosion resistance and recyclability make them indispensable in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors—helping companies meet their sustainability goals by offering energy-efficient, lightweight...
US aluminium and steel tariffs to clutch away over 100,000 jobs across the industry: Alcoa
Alcoa, a global aluminium production entity with major smelters in Canada, Australia, and Iceland, among other locations, has expressed concerning statements that over 100,000 employment losses can be anticipated owing to the proposed implementation of US aluminium and steel tariffs of flat 25 per cent on all imports by the Donald Trump government. Bill Oplinger, CEO of Alcoa, conveyed at the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference in Florida that the tariff implementation could lead to a massive loss of about 20,000 employments in the US aluminium industry and a further 80,000 jobs across the value-chain sectors that support it. "This is bad for the aluminium industry in the US. It's bad for American workers," said Oplinger, an engineer by educational qualification who became CEO in...
Feasibility check: Why the US aluminium industry can’t afford to lose Canada
The United States and Canada have long shared more than just a border — they’ve built an aluminium supply chain that’s deeply intertwined and vital to both economies. As the US grapples with declining aluminium production and mounting energy costs, the importance of Canada’s role has never been clearer. Let’s break down why the US aluminium industry leans so heavily on its northern neighbour — and why replacing Canada simply isn’t an option. Image Source: https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/ A shrinking giant: The state of US aluminium production Once a global leader in aluminium production, the US now produces just 1.2 per cent of the world’s aluminium supply. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the US had a primary aluminium production capacity of 1.36 million tonnes in...
‘Speed but not haste’: India and UK renew their trade vows after eight-month pause
India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) after an eight-month break on Monday, February 24, with the two sides of the table focussing on a triple hike in bilateral trade with a ‘mutually beneficial and forward-looking’ deal by going past tariff and non-tariff issues while protecting each other’s ‘sensitivities’. The statement of affirmation was mutually declared by India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The Bilateral Trade Agreement sessions between the United Kingdom and India involve negotiation on 26 tangents, which include goods and services, intellectual property rights, sustainability along with labour rights for both nations. According to the International Monetary Fund...
Hindalco signs MoU to invest ₹15000 crore in aluminium capacity expansion in Madhya Pradesh
Hindalco has announced that it will invest INR 15,000 crore (USD 1.81 billion) in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to expand the company’s aluminium smelting capacity in both current and new sites. The investment was announced at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh government. Image Source: https://www.hindalco.com Speaking to ANI, Hindalco’s Managing Director Satish Pai commented, “In the next two years, we will be investing about INR 15,000 crores just from the Hindalco side. And we will also be opening a large mine called Banda from the group side.” Hindalco has a state-of-the-art aluminium manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, with pre-invested INR 25,000 crore (USD 3.01 billion)...
Ford not concerned with EBIT loss of $5.1 billion in '24, plans to expand EV volume amid similar loss anticipation for '25
Ford Motor Company is unfazed by a USD 5 billion to USD 5.5 billion loss anticipation in its ‘Model e’ electric vehicle section in 2025 due to expense challenges, mentioned company executives, with the brand aiming to grow its EV volume. Image Source: https://www.ford.com/electric/ In an after-hours revenues call on February 5, CFO Sherry House conveyed that the foreseen 2025 EV losses are stable year-on-year, as the EV segment registered a full-year EBIT loss of USD 5.1 billion in 2024. “While continued industry pricing pressure remains, we plan to materially increase our global volume driven by the full-year impact of European launches, and we significantly increased investment in our battery facilities and next-generation products, which are just two years away,” House stated. The...
Can India’s ‘zero-for-zero’ approach tackle US reciprocal tariffs? Here’s its context, impact and more...
A Global Trade Research Initiative’s (GTRI’s) flagship report on Friday has put the spotlight on a plethora of possibilities for the Indian Government to tackle US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that can potentially hit the Indian trade setup hard enough. One of which has pulled many eyeballs, including the government itself — India can consider a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff approach, which is practically lowering import duties on select products that it does not import in higher quantities from the US as part of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). On this note, government officials have revealed to a national media publication that the consideration was in full swing, and discussions commenced with stakeholders in sectors like automobiles and auto components, in which...
A comprehensive guide to top 7 aluminium-built motorcycles under 500cc
Motorcycle enthusiasts, get ready to rev your engines! Whether you're a city commuter, a leisure traveller, or an adventurous rider, the two-wheeled world has some exciting new offerings for you in 2025. In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven models that are worth considering, with a special focus on their use of aluminium and their price points. Triumph Speed T4: dual-tone elegance Triumph has recently launched the latest iteration of its Speed T4 model, and it's a sight to behold. Available in four new dual-tone colour options – Caspian Blue with Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss with Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black with Pearl Metallic White, and Phantom Black with Storm Grey – the Speed T4 boasts a sleek and stylish design. Featuring cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke...
CBAM needs fixing — before it’s too late for European aluminium
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was introduced as a bold step in the fight against climate change. It is meant to prevent carbon leakage—where companies move production to countries with weaker climate policies—by ensuring that imported goods face the same carbon costs as those produced within the EU. In theory, this levels the playing field for European industries while pushing other nations towards greener practices. But there’s a problem: CBAM, in its current form, simply does not work for aluminium. Instead of protecting one of Europe’s most critical industries, it risks making it uncompetitive, increasing costs for manufacturers, and even worsening global emissions. Without urgent reforms, CBAM could do more harm than good. An aluminium industry on the...
NALCO reveals detailed plan for its INR 30,000 crore expansion plans — following five years deemed crucial
NALCO’s announcement of INR 30,000 crore (USD 3.45 billion) investment in aluminium business expansion brought to the public by Union Minister of Coal & Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, is its first major capex in recent times, including setting up an INR 17,000 crore (USD 1.95 billion) aluminium smelter capacity. State-owned Navratna PSU, National Aluminium Company (NALCO), has chalked out a distribution plan for its progressive INR 30,000-crore expansion plan , marking its first massive capital expenditure in contemporary times. The development project is set to conclude by FY30, with an INR 17,000-crore investment in an additional aluminium smelter construction and noteworthy projects in mining and downstream product manufacturing. Global mining leader Rio Tinto Canada...
Each tonne of aluminium manufactured through recycling results in saving of 5-6 tonnes of bauxite, 1-1.5 tonnes of limestone, 20-25 tonnes of water and ~14000 kwh of energy: Mohan Agarwal, MD, CMR Green Technologies
Mohan Agarwal, Managing Director, founded CMR Green Technologies in 2006 with a single plant. Today, the company has grown to 12 plants across India. CMR is a pioneer in the industry to scale up, and over the past few years, it has expanded its metal recycling capacity to over 418,000 tonnes per annum. Since its inception, CMR has recorded a CAGR of over 25 per cent and solidified its position as India's leading producer of aluminium-based die-cast alloy, a critical component for automotive manufacturers. In this Interview, Agarwal has put the spotlight into the Indian aluminium recycling business. He reveals about the dips and floats of the ever-evolving market and shares his experience of surfing through the tides of time. AL Circle: What is the primary business model of CMR Green...
Why Is Constellium increasing prices for flat-rolled aluminium products?
Constellium, the Paris-based aluminium business, has determined to increase a minimum price of USD 0.15 per pound for all flat-rolled products shipped in the US, owing to the recent market conditions and revolving economic drivers. The price increase is to be effective immediately after announcements, as per the contracts’ appropriation. As a result, select products may require higher increases. The global manufacturer of aluminium rolled products, extruded products, and structural parts based on a large variety of advanced alloys counts close to 12,500 employees worldwide and operates more than 28 manufacturing sites in North America, Europe and Asia. It also holds a research and development unit in China. In a recently conducted survey, unforeseen consumer demand, elevated trade...
Market volatility and geopolitical risks drive China’s aluminium prices higher
The past week has been all about the dynamic shift driven by rising domestic prices, US tariff policies, and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics in the global aluminium market. According to various news platforms, Chinese aluminium spot prices have hiked to RMB 20,524 per tonne (USD 2,862 per tonne) in South China, followed by RMB 20,504 per tonne (USD 2,859 per tonne) in East China. Both the regions were separately up 1.67 per cent and 1.65 per cent week-on-week. This increase was fuelled by a 0.84 per cent gain in LME prices to USD 2,636 per tonne, trending higher by 1.51 per cent week-on-week along with stronger downstream demand. Meanwhile, a potential speed-breaker looms as the US, under the Trump administration, has imposed a 10 per cent tariff from February and intends to slap...
7 exciting stories of how digitalisation in the aluminium industry is sparking evolution
The aluminium industry is witnessing a digital transformation, with path-breaking technologies redefining processes, boosting efficiency, and driving sustainability. From AI-powered recycling solutions to real-time in-line testing and advanced additive manufacturing software, digitalisation is solving industry challenges while unlocking new possibilities. In this roundup, we explore seven exciting stories showcasing how digital innovation is accelerating progress and reshaping the aluminium landscape. Revolutionising aluminium wheel scrap sortation with Austin AI The increasing demand for aluminium in the automotive industry, particularly for electric vehicles, has highlighted the need for efficient recycling of aluminium wheel scrap, as shared by Judit Jeney, Managing Director, Austin AI...
Japan and Vietnam pilot through individualistic route to deal with Trump’s tariff
Japan has officially requested an exemption from US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, as well as other reciprocal tariffs, according to a report from Tokyo-based Kyodo News. Meanwhile, Vietnam is prepared to engage with the United States to discuss the new tariffs on steel imposed by Washington, aiming to avoid the risk of additional duties, as stated by a spokesperson for its foreign ministry. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made the request during a brief exchange with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Iwaya also expressed Japan’s eagerness to hold high-level security talks between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations “at an early date.” According to a statement from...
Vedanta Aluminium pioneers AI-driven mining safety with real-time drone surveillance in Odisha
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium manufacturer, launched an AI-powered drone system at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. The drone, which started operations on February 13, 2025, provides a real-time solution for blasting clearance and danger zone monitoring. Image Source: https://vedantaaluminium.com/ Equipped with advanced software, the AI-powered drone offers real-time aerial views and automatically captures the movements of humans, animals, and vehicles within a 500-meter blasting zone. This enables officials to remotely monitor operations and receive automated alerts about any activity on the ground through live streaming. The system also allows seamless audio communication between officials, the drone pilot, and the blasting officer, ensuring precise coordination and...
Xiaomi accelerates EV rollout, delivers 160,000 vehicles and reveals update on upcoming models
In a major milestone for its electric vehicle (EV) division, Xiaomi Group announced that its electric vehicle segment has cumulatively delivered 160,000 vehicles so far. The news was declared by Xiaomi Founder and Chairman Lei Jun during a live-streaming event for the Chinese Lantern Festival on February 13, 2025. Image Source: https://www.mi.com/ Lei further shared that Xiaomi EV's top three delivery markets are Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, with the automaker achieving monthly deliveries exceeding 20,000 units for four consecutive months. Looking ahead, Xiaomi EV provided updates on its upcoming models. The YU7, set to launch in mid-2025, demonstrated impressive range during testing, requiring only two charging stops over a 1,000 km distance. Meanwhile, the high-performance SU7 Ultra...
