AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Perfectus Aluminum agrees to $549M settlement over customs duty allegations
Perfectus Aluminum and several related businesses have agreed to pay a combined USD 549.5 million to resolve allegations tied to unpaid customs duties on aluminium extrusions imported from China. The settlement involves Perfectus Aluminum Inc., Perfectus Aluminum Acquisitions LLC and four affiliated warehousing companies. US authorities alleged the companies knowingly avoided antidumping and countervailing duties that applied to Chinese aluminium extrusion products entering the country. According to the US Department of Justice, the case centered on more than 2.2 million aluminium extrusions imported between 2011 and 2014. Investigators alleged the products were falsely declared as finished aluminium pallets rather than raw extrusions subject to duties. Explore our updated report...
East Hope Group plans $12.6B investment in Kazakhstan’s aluminium industry
China’s East Hope Group, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, is considering an investment of USD 12.6 billion in Kazakhstan’s bauxite mining and aluminium sector, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Construction. The proposal was discussed during talks between Industry and Construction Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev and East Hope Group’s Director for Strategic Investments, Chen Lei. The investment plan builds on earlier discussions held on February 17, 2025, when East Hope Group announced plans to invest more than USD 12 billion in Kazakhstan’s green aluminium and non-ferrous metals secto r following meetings with senior Kazakh officials. The broader initiative includes mining, raw material processing, an aluminium smelter with electrolysis facilities, and...
Sumitomo Chemical unveils new high-purity alumina range for advanced semiconductor applications
The Sumitomo Chemical Company, a Japanese chemical industry giant, has recently developed and launched a new range of high-purity alumina products, titled ELA series, that are intended for use in the ever-evolving semiconductor industry. The new range of products is specifically intended for use in making semiconductors for AI and other electronic devices. The company plans to strengthen its position in the high-purity alumina market by expanding its offerings for advanced semiconductor-related applications while accelerating innovation in inorganic materials. Rising semiconductor integration and growing performance demands have increased the need for encapsulant materials that minimise alpha radiation, a known cause of semiconductor malfunction, while also improving heat dissipation...
Aluminium recycling sector flags EU ETS risks, surge in copper prices too
European aluminium producers are facing mounting pressure as the European Union pushes forward with reforms to its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), a move expected to increase operating costs across the region’s recycling and refining industries. While the reforms are intended to support long-term decarbonisation goals and cleaner industrial production, analysts and industry groups fear they could weaken the competitiveness of Europe’s aluminium sector at a time when producers are already dealing with high energy prices and sluggish industrial demand. The revised EU ETS structure changes the benchmark values used to determine how many free carbon allowances industrial companies receive. Aluminium recyclers and alumina refineries are especially concerned because they do not have...
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited FY26 profit jumps 133%
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited reported strong financial and operational performance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, supported by higher refinery throughput, growth in fuel sales and improved refining margins. The company’s standalone profit after tax rose 133 per cent year-on-year to INR 171.75 billion (USD 1.8 billion) in FY26 from INR 73.65 billion (USD 770 million) in FY25. Consolidated profit after tax increased 168 per cent to INR 180.47 billion (USD 1.89 billion) from INR 67.36 billion (USD 704 million). Revenue from operations stood at INR 4.79 trillion (USD 50.07 billion) in FY26, compared with INR 4.66 trillion (USD 48.71 billion) a year earlier. For the fourth quarter, revenue increased to INR 1.24 trillion (USD 12.96 billion) from INR 1.18 trillion (USD...
John Williamson to continue as Chairman of the London Metal Exchange
London Metal Exchange has reappointed John Williamson as Chairman of the Board following the completion of his initial term. Williamson said the exchange had gone through a period of significant change and transformation over the past three years. In his words, “Over the past three years, the Exchange has navigated a period of significant change and transformation, and I am proud of the progress made by the LME team as we turned strategy into delivery and strengthened our foundations for the future.” To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” He also said trusted market infrastructure and reliable price discovery are becoming increasingly important in a changing global...
Maan Aluminium reports weaker quarterly profit, while long-term stock performance stays strong
Maan Aluminium Limited is showing signs of a sideways market trend after earlier bearish movements, according to recent technical and financial indicators. Weekly MACD indicators stay bearish, and monthly indicators continue to show mild weakness. Daily moving averages have turned mildly bullish, suggesting some short-term recovery in price movement. The Know Sure Thing (KST) is bearish on weekly charts but bullish on monthly charts, showing mixed momentum across timeframes. Bollinger Bands signal mild bearishness on both weekly and monthly charts, and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) does not show a clear direction. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Indicators...
Rio Tinto backed Finland aluminium project, aims to boost European supply by 20%
Arctial, backed by Rio Tinto, is targeting first hot metal production from its planned aluminium smelter in Finland in the second half of 2029. Speaking at the CRU World Aluminium Conference in London, Arctial chief commercial officer Maxime Vandersmissen said the project aims to produce around 610,000 tonnes of aluminium annually. The project is still awaiting a final investment decision, expected in 2027. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” According to the company, the new smelter could increase aluminium production in Europe by around 20 per cent. Europe produced 7.1 million tonnes of aluminium in 2025, according to the International Aluminium Institute. This...
Aluminium Corporation of China Limited shares fall 3.38% amid pressure on aluminium
Shares of Aluminium Corporation of China Limited slipped 3.38 per cent on Monday, May 11, closing at HKD 11.15 (USD 1.43) from HKD 11.54 (USD 1.48) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, amid broader weakness across the commodities sector. According to market data from StockInvest.us dated May 12, 2026, the stock moved within a volatile trading range during the session, even as the company continued to hold positive technical indicators from its moving averages. Known globally as Chalco, the Beijing-headquartered aluminium major remains one of the world’s largest integrated aluminium producers, with operations spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminium smelting and downstream processing. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under 2600.HK and on the Shanghai...
The Middle East conflict may push global aluminium price above $4000/t through 2027
Global aluminium prices are expected to remain above USD 4,000 per tonne between the third quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027, according to the Commodities Research Unit (CRU). Paul Williams, head of aluminium value chain at CRU, said at the World Aluminium Summit in London that the expected price rise is linked to a growing supply deficit caused mainly by the conflict involving Iran. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange have already increased by 18 per cent this year. Benchmark aluminium prices were last reported at USD 3,559 per tonne after reaching a four-year high of USD 3,672 per tonne in mid-April. The...
Chinese manufacturer Dajia develops advanced aluminium anodising and spray coating
Foshan Dajia Electromechanical Technology Co., Ltd. is expanding its focus on automated and precision-based surface treatment systems for the aluminium industry through its Mingtu Painting division. Based in Foshan, the company develops anodising, electrophoretic coating, electrostatic powder coating and paint spray coating systems for aluminium profile manufacturers. The company said rising global demand for high-performance aluminium surface treatments is driving greater use of automated production systems designed to improve consistency, reduce labour costs and lower material waste. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” The company’s operations combine two areas of...
Possible Guinea export cap adds pressure to bauxite shipping market
The global bauxite trade, which has been one of the strongest drivers of dry bulk shipping demand in recent years, is now facing pressure from both supply restrictions and geopolitical disruption. Guinea, the world’s biggest exporter of seaborne bauxite, is reportedly considering a cap on exports for 2026 after rapid growth over the past few years pushed volumes to around 178 million tonnes in 2025. If introduced, the proposed limit could reduce exports to roughly 150 million tonnes, significantly below last year’s levels. Analysts say such a move could have major consequences for the capesize market because Guinea-to-China bauxite shipments keep vessels occupied for long periods. According to analysis from Veson Nautical, a reduction to 150 million tonnes could free up around 46 capesize...
Chinese researchers create body armour inspired by crocodile scales
A group of scientists in China has turned to crocodiles for inspiration while working on a new body armour concept built around lightweight ceramic materials. The idea came from the way crocodile scales overlap across the animal’s body. Instead of sitting in neat patterns, the scales form uneven layers that help spread force and provide protection during attacks. The research was done at Ningbo University, led by associate research fellow Zhaoxiu Jiang. They based their design on the overlapping, asymmetrical skin of a crocodile that offers them protection against predators. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" According to the research team, the layout helped deflect projectiles during testing instead of...
Alcoa’s aluminium business shows strong growth: expects production of up to 2.6 Mt in 2026
Alcoa Corporation continues to benefit from strong demand in its aluminium business, supported by the packaging, electrical and transportation sectors. The company’s aluminium production capacity has increased following the restart of the San Ciprián smelter in Spain, Alumar in Brazil and Lista in Norway. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” In the first quarter of 2026, Alcoa’s Aluminium segment’s third-party sales rose to USD 2.54 billion from USD 1.91 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Aluminium product sales also increased to USD 2.58 billion from USD 1.96 billion in the same period last year. The company said aluminium demand has continued to grow due to...
Fifth Pershing 140 aluminium superyacht launched in Italy
Ferretti Group has launched the fifth hull of its Pershing 140 superyacht series at the company’s Superyacht Yard in Ancona, Italy. Unlike earlier units in the series, which used a metallic aluminium-grey finish, this version was completed in bright white following requests from the owner. The lighter theme continues inside the yacht as well, with interiors designed around softer tones and customised living spaces. Several parts of the layout were also changed from the standard configuration. At the stern, the area typically used for storing tenders and water toys was redesigned into a social space with a central bar setup instead. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" The cockpit section now includes lounge...
JPMorgan: Aluminium smelters may face a longer recovery period than petroleum coke supply
Aluminium production outside the Gulf region could also be affected if petroleum coke shortages worsen because the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. A report by JPMorgan Chase & Co. said petroleum coke, a key raw material used in aluminium production, may become a major problem for aluminium producers globally as tensions continue in the Persian Gulf region. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” According to the report, around 20 per cent of global petroleum coke supply is affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption because petroleum coke is produced during oil refining. It warned that if shortages become severe, aluminium producers outside the Gulf could face...
MBK Partners to acquire Japan’s aluminium can maker Altemira in $760M deal
Asian private equity firm MBK Partners is set to acquire Japanese aluminium can producer, Altemira Holdings Co. in a deal valued at around YEN 117.5 billion (USD 760 million), according to industry sources. The acquisition involves MBK Partners acquiring 100 per cent of Altemira from US-based investment firm Apollo Global Management. Altemira is the second-largest aluminium can manufacturer by market share in both Japan and Vietnam, with annual revenue estimated at approximately YEN 200 billion (USD 1.29 billion). MBK Partners has already cleared the preliminary review required under Japan’s foreign exchange regulations for foreign acquisitions involving companies operating in designated core sectors. According to sources, the screening was triggered because some of Altemira’s materials...
Australia extends anti-dumping duties on Malaysian aluminium extrusions after review
Australia has wrapped up its latest anti-dumping review of Malaysian mill-finish aluminium extrusions, keeping duties on some producers and scrapping measures on another company. Under the decision, which will take effect from June 3, 2026, LB Aluminium will continue to face a floor price arrangement, while Milleon Extruder remains subject to an anti-dumping duty rate of 3.4 per cent. However, Australia decided to discontinue duty collection against Kamco Aluminium. Capral Limited filed an application for the recent review in June 2025. Authorities investigate dumping activity that occurred between April 2024 and March 2025, and injury to the domestic industry over a longer period of time back to 2021. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global...
