AlCircle News Edited By "Pratyusha Chatterjee"
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Hindalco reports record-high 73% aluminium upstream EBITDA hike in Q3 FY25
Hindalco Industries, the flagship metal-driven business of the Aditya Birla Group, has reported a strong 60 per cent surge in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter (Q3 FY2025). The company's net profit reached INR 3,735 crore (USD 450 million), up from INR 2,331 crore (USD 279.72 million) in the same period a year earlier. Image Source: Wikipedia The company's operational revenue for Q3 FY2025 grew 11 per cent to INR 58,390 crore (USD 7 billion), compared to INR 52,808 crore (USD 6.34 billion) in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. However, Hindalco saw a 4.4 per cent sequential decline in profit after tax (PAT), down from INR 3,909 crore (USD 469.08 million) in Q2 FY2025. Revenue, on the other hand, recorded a slight quarter-on-quarter increase of...
Hydro’s 2024 performance unveiled: a recapitulation of finance, sustainability, and social responsibility
Norsk Hydro’s 2024 was challenging, but the business had an overall growth-hinting year. There have been several superlative financial, environmental, and social achievements during the calendar year. Financial performance While there was a drop in adjusted Return on Average Capital Employed (RoaCE) from 22.2 per cent in 2022 to 8.5 per cent in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA standing at NOK 26.3 billion. Hydro has overseen the pursuit of its profitability target of over 10 per cent across the cycle. The company reported NOK 10.1 billion (USD 907.98 million) in accumulated improvements through its ongoing programme against the 2018 baseline, edging closer to its target of NOK 9.5 billion by 2024. Commercial ambitions also saw NOK 2.6 billion in accumulated improvements, reinforcing Hydro’s...
Trade Minister Don Farrell: Australia’s aluminium exports done with US approval
Australia has responded to the trade statement revolving around the country’s aluminium export. The nation’s trade minister, Don Farrell, proclaimed on February 13 that Australia’s surge in its aluminium supply to the United States, with Washington’s complete acknowledgement and approval, while addressing a hurdle to Canberra’s request for an exemption from US tariffs on aluminium and steel. However, this move has not been without controversy. Image Source: https://www.trademinister.gov.au/ Earlier this week, United States President Donald Trump stated he would consider an exemption for Australia from a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports. Yet, one of his closest advisers soon after claimed that Australia was “killing our aluminium market”. The aluminium import from...
AL Circle joins ASI’s prestigious network of general supporters, paving the way for future success
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), a collaborative endeavour aimed at enhancing sustainability throughout the value chain, announced the successful ‘General Supporter’ membership certification to the first media house and marketplace AL Circle Private Limited. Abhimanyu Prakash, CEO of AL Circle, shared on a spirited note, “We are thrilled to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) as part of our commitment to sustainable and responsible aluminium production. By aligning with ASI’s rigorous standards, we aim to enhance our environmental, social, and governance practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.” The company is optimistic that this membership in ASI will bolster its dedication to transparency, innovation, and collaboration within the aluminium value chain....
NALCO sets the bar high with 3-fold increase in net profit and 39% revenue boost in Q3 FY25
National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), an Indian public sector company with integrated and diversified operations in mining, metal and power, has reported a remarkable 232.83 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit, reaching INR 1,566.3 crore (USD 180 million) for the third quarter, compared to INR 470.6 crore (USD 54.12 million) in Q3 FY24. This impressive performance was driven by a 39.3 per cent jump in revenue from operations, which climbed to INR 4,662.2 crore against INR 3,347.6 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. At the operating level, NALCO's EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) soared by an astounding 200.89 per cent to INR 2,327.6 crore (USD 267.68 million) in the third quarter of this fiscal, up from INR 773.8 crore...
Hindalco unfazed by Trump’s tariff bombshell — Novelis has leverage over share prices!
The US President’s surprise move to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports has sent shockwaves across global markets. However, industry experts have reinstated their trust upon Hindalco’s 100 per cent subsidiary Novelis, confirming that it is well-equipped to weather this storm. The 20-year-old Atlanta-based business has been owned by Indian metals company Hindalco Industries since 2007. Novelis, a major exporter of aluminium to the US, has made a recent USD 2.5 billion investment in a new plant in Alabama and is seen as a strategic hedge against potential tariff impact. Brokerage firm Nuvama says ‘the effect of tariff imposition, if it happens, shall be minimal on Novelis’s earnings’. The Hindalco management has indicated that any increase in aluminium prices due...
US aluminium industry faces crisis as smelter closures undermine tariff protections
The United States’ aluminium sector is facing an existential crisis, with the number of operational smelters dwindling to just four. Despite the 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports introduced by the Trump administration, the primary aluminium industry remains in decline, struggling with high energy costs and competitive pressures from overseas—particularly China. Tariffs and the reality on the ground Trade groups representing US steel and aluminium producers have welcomed decisive trade actions, including tariffs, arguing they are necessary to counter unfair competition. However, the CEO of the Aluminum Association has acknowledged a harsh reality, “There is not enough smelting capacity in the United States to supply the growing aluminium industry with the input materials it...
ABX concludes licence agreement with Core Refining as its ALCORE project advances
ABX Group has declared the termination of its prior 2017 agreement with Core Refining, stating that the company is no longer in requirement of intellectual property (IP) for its ALCORE Project located in Tasmania. The Core Refining IP was initially licenced to ABX for the refinement purpose of various types of raw material with fluorine acids, subsequently producing aluminium fluoride from bauxite. The operation project took place under ABX’s 83 per cent owned subsidiary, ALCORE. This picture is for reference purposes only The termination aligns with ALCORE’s recent transition to the continuous pilot plant stage, following a lease agreement with Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) for an industrial facility near the Bell Bay aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania. ABX, which has a market capitalisation...
Rio Tinto donates A$750,000 to Queensland flood relief and recovery efforts
Rio Tinto has donated AUD 750,000 to support disaster relief efforts for those impacted by the widespread floods in North Queensland. This picture is for reference purposes only The funds will support the work of key organisations, including the Queensland Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and the Queensland Red Cross, which are providing medical care, running evacuation centres and helping people recover from the disaster. Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said, “Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities affected by the devastating floods, who include our team members and local suppliers and partners.” “We’re grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the Queensland Red Cross and the Queensland Royal Flying Doctors and hope this contribution helps them continue...
Here’s how these 5 countries responded to the US aluminium tariff imposition
In a debate-worthy move, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, leaving major trade partners scrambling to negotiate exemptions. The tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, 2025, have been met with widespread criticism and warnings of potential trade wars. The United States, a significant importer of steel and aluminium, sources nearly a quarter of its steel from foreign suppliers, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Its dependence on aluminium is even greater. Key suppliers include neighbouring Canada and Mexico, as well as several Asian allies. Trump has stated that the tariffs will be implemented “without exceptions or exemptions,” a decision that has prompted varied reactions from global partners. Canada...
US closes aluminium tariff loopholes: Will the domestic industry really applaud Trump’s bold move?
In a policy shift announcement on Monday, February 10, the United States government has brought forth the decree to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all primary aluminium imports, effective March 4, 2025. The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to bolster the country’s domestic aluminium industry and address long-standing concerns over unfair international trade practices. US aluminium imports in 2024 from top 10 countries worldwide The newly enforced tariff removes previous exemptions and quota deals, closing loopholes that had allowed nearly 75 per cent of aluminium imports to bypass tariffs. Domestic entities anticipate this move will benefit American aluminium producers, including Century Aluminum, a leading primary aluminium manufacturer based in Chicago. Century...
Foundry fraternity unites at Kolkata for the spectacular IFEX 2025 & 73rd Indian Foundry Congress
The Eastern regional wing of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) has hosted the 73rd Indian Foundry Congress concurrently with the Indian Foundry Exhibition IFEX 2025. The event was held in Kolkata’s Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan between February 9, 2025, and February 11, 2025, and welcomed exhibitors from around the globe to Eastern Indian experience of an exciting and stimulating event which focussed on bringing together foundry fraternity while opening the gates for them on latest trends, technologies and markets for the foundry sector while enabling them to explore & forge new business alliances & opportunities. The main highlights were a conglomeration of IFEX, CAST INDIA EXPO, CAST SOURCE Meet, panel discussions, case studies, success stories, NRI Foundry Forum, CEOs Meet, and...
Trump administration revisits aluminium tariffs: US traders brace for impact
In a recent development, President Donald Trump announced a one-month suspension of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminium imports just days after announcing their imposition. The temporary pause, which extends until March 1, 2025, signals potential renegotiations over trade concerns and border security issues, raising uncertainty for US aluminium importers and domestic manufacturers alike. Tariff turbulence: Domestic industry impacted Already familiar with tariff-induced disruptions, the aluminium industry faces renewed concerns as traders and manufacturers brace for possible policy changes. Section 232 tariffs, imposed in 2018 during Trump’s first term, introduced a 10 per cent duty on aluminium imports, citing national security threats due to over-reliance on foreign...
Geely Technology inks bauxite deal with Honbridge worth over RMB 1 billion by 2027
Geely Technology Group, a company affiliated with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, has signed a bauxite supply agreement with Honbridge Holdings, China's automotive-focussed news platform Gasgoo reports. As per the set contract, Honbridge will be procuring bauxite and other relevant products from Geely with an annual purchase cap of up to RMB 300 million by December 31, 2025, and up to RMB 370 million each by December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027. Tonbridge Holdings, which delved into the lithium-ion battery sector a decade ago in 2014, supplies products to multiple businesses under Geely Holding Group, among other electric vehicle manufacturers. The company has extended into ride-hailing services in France under the "CaoCao" brand, with nearly 300 LEVC TX new energy automotive fleet and...
Glencore hits back: poaches alumina trader Zach Mayer from Gunvor in talent war
Glencore comes to headlines for its ‘blow for blow’ move! After losing its aluminium segment trader to Vitol, it reportedly replenishes its alumina trading segment with a new joinee from Guvnor. The latter entity’s alumina trader, Zach Mayer, is reportedly leaving his position to join Glencore Plc on May 1, 2025. Image Credit: https://www.glencore.com/ Gunvor has verified Mayer’s resignation, stating that he was leaving for personal reasons. The company has further added that the alumina book is planned to be taken over by Ulas Alkan. There has been no comment from either the prospective employer or employee on the matter. Gunvor primary trade revolves around energy products such as oil. It has recently extended its trading division into metals with anticipation of proven profitability...
Premier Energies reports stellar Q3 results with 12.2% sequential growth in topline and a 35% surge in EBITDA
Premier Energies Ltd. announced its quarterly results for the period ending December 31 after market hours on Monday, February 3. The company demonstrated a significant improvement in its financial performance, with key highlights including a 12.2 per cent sequential growth in topline and a 35 per cent increase in EBITDA from the previous year's 17.3 per cent. The company's revenue increased by 140.6 per cent from last year to INR 1,713 crore. Margins also expanded, surpassing the INR 500 crore mark at INR 513.7 crore. Premier Energies had reported an EBITDA of INR 123 crore in the base quarter. The company had reported a net profit of INR 205 crore in the second quarter of FY2025. Net profit for the third quarter stood at INR 255.2 crore, which was aided by a jump in other income to INR...
Maan Aluminium's Q3 net profit down 59.01% Y-o-Y; Stock in free fall with a 25.32% decline
Maan Aluminium, a well-known name in the aluminium extrusion industry in India, reported net sales of INR 182.09 crore (USD 20.82 million) in 3rd Quarter of FY25 ending December 2024, down 14.5 per cent Y-o-Y from INR 212.97 crore (USD 24.35 million) in December 2023. Quarterly net profit was also 59.01 per cent lower Y-o-Y from INR 7.44 crore (USD 907,317) in December 2023 to INR 3.05 crore (USD 34,887) in December 2024. the company’s EBITDA stands at INR 6.29 crore in December 2024, down 49.19 per cent from INR 12.38 crore in December 2023. Maan Aluminium’s earnings per share (EPS) decreased to INR 0.56 in December 2024 from INR 1.38 in December 2023. On January 28, the company faced substantial volatility, dipping to a new 52-week low of INR 107 amid a broader decline in the aluminium...
US-China trade war escalates as Trump grants 30-day reprieve to North American neighbours
Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary, White House, publicly declared on Friday, January 31, in a news briefing that the US would begin imposing 25 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China starting February 01. Whereas just ahead of implementation, after much negotiation and last-minute diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has made a late-night declaration to a 30-day pause agreement on his 25 per cent tariff imposition against Mexico and Canada. The decision came as the US president conversed with his counterpart in Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. He also exchanged telephone messages with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It pulled the American neighbours back from the verge of a potentially raging trade war. However, the 10...
