AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"

RIMOWA launches aluminium Grid collection inspired by 1969 archive design
RIMOWA has introduced the Classic Aluminium Grid, a limited-edition collection built around its historic aluminium suitcase designs from 1969, with a total of 1,969 numbered pieces. The collection pulls directly from the brand’s archival hand-carry cases, reworking its signature grooves into a more structured, geometric grid pattern. The design is embossed onto RIMOWA’s silver aluminium shell, giving it a sharper visual identity while keeping the durability and strength the material is known for. Inside, the cases feature leather detailing and a quilted lining that mirrors the same grid layout, so the design doesn’t just stay on the outside. There’s also a shift in accents, leather touchpoints come in a blue finish, a nod to one of RIMOWA’s older colour themes, tying the whole archival...

Aluminum du Maroc: A vertically integrated aluminium business linked to Africa’s growth
Aluminum du Maroc, an aluminium business which has caught attention of global investors recently, is a major aluminium producer in Morocco and one of the leading domestic companies in the sector, listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange under the ISIN MA0000010936. It delivers investors with a vantage base into North Africa’s industrial growth, fueled by rising construction, auto parts and packaging demand spanning Africa to Europe. Aluminum du Maroc takes raw aluminium and turns it into extrusions, sheets, billets, rods, and parts like window frames, doors, and car components. It buys materials nearby to meet hot demand, and sells to Europe and Africa for building projects. Being close to ports keeps shipping cheap. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive...

Younglimwon SoftLab completes ERP project for aluminium producer Poongjeon Bicheol
Younglimwon SoftLab, an enterprise solution company, has completed an ERP implementation project for aluminium smelting and alloy manufacturer Poongjeon Bicheol. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, read our report “ Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 ”. The project marks Poongjeon Bicheol’s efforts to upgrade its management systems and enhance data utilisation. The firm deployed Younglimwon’s K-System Ace, integrating core operations, including management, sales, procurement, production, human resources and finance, into a unified platform. It also standardised the data frameworks and streamlined workflows. The system introduces a refined cost management structure by incorporating by-product-based costing while enabling real-time access to management...

GM to invest $150M in Saginaw plant for next-gen V-8 engine production
Detroit-based General Motors (GM) will invest over USD 150 million in its Saginaw Metal Casting Operations (SCMO) in Michigan for the production of the sixth generation of V-8 engine blocks and cylinder heads used in full-size pickup trucks. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform The investment adds to GM’s approximately USD 5.5 billion spent in 2025 and supports the Saginaw facility and its workforce. It also follows the USD 500 million announced in January 2023 for the Flint Engine plant tied to the same next-generation V-8 programme. Also Read: Toyota feeds recycled aluminium into UK Corolla engine production “This significant investment of over USD 150 million is a clear commitment to the plant and our people,” says John Lancaster, SCMO plant...

Columbia Falls community launches aluminium recycling drive during Earth Month
The Columbia Falls Community Market has launched an aluminium recycling campaign in April as part of Earth Month initiatives, encouraging residents and businesses to collect and recycle aluminium cans. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Community members can drop off aluminium cans at the market’s location on Veteran Drive, where a dedicated recycling trailer has been set up. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with local resident Ryan Ellis. Also Read: GACC: China Jan-Feb aluminium scrap imports rise 1.8% Y-o-Y Once the trailer is filled, it is transported to Pacific Steel and Recycling in Kalispell for processing. According to organisers, the material is carefully sorted to ensure only...

China pushes stricter lithium battery recycling to support EV lifecycle management
China is taking further steps to bring order to lithium-ion battery recycling, with a new policy issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology together with the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives. Published on April 3 and reported by IT-Home, the guidance builds on a growing body of regulation that now covers much of the electric vehicle (EV) battery lifecycle. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The document sets out several priorities: expanding collection networks, supporting larger recycling firms, and improving oversight through digital systems. In tone and structure, it follows recent policy developments seen in the EV battery space. One of the central ideas is...

Manaksia Aluminium hits 5% upper circuit on strong buying; weak delivery raises caution
Manaksia Aluminium Company Ltd’s stock rose by 4.99 per cent and hit its upper limit. It closed at INR 24.61(USD 0.26), which was also the highest price of the day. Since it reached the limit, trading stopped at that level. There were buyers in the market, but no sellers. The stock, trading in the BE series with a 5 per cent daily price band, hit an intraday high of INR 24.61 - the same as its closing level - effectively capping further upside. Total traded volume stood at 35.374 thousand shares, with turnover at approximately INR 0.86 million, reflecting constrained activity due to the price lock. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " On 2 April 2026, about 9,900 shares were taken for delivery. This was...

TECNO launches SPARK 50 series with aviation-grade aluminium build and high-capacity batteries
Image credit: TECNO/PR Newswire TECNO launched the SPARK 50 series with two new models, the SPARK 50 5G and SPARK 50, with aluminium design, AI features and large batteries for everyday performance and endurance. The SPARK 50 5G features a six-series aviation-grade aluminium build, which offers higher strength compared to conventional alloys while maintaining a lightweight profile. On the battery side, the SPARK 50 comes with a 7000 mAh battery, while the SPARK 50 5G packs a 6500 mAh unit with 45 W fast charging, capable of reaching full charge in about an hour. TECNO claims the battery system supports up to 1,800 charging cycles, maintaining over 80 per cent health for up to six years on the 5G model, while the standard variant retains similar battery health for around five years. The...

APAA backs Trump’s aluminium tariffs enforcement order, targets import valuation loophole
The American Primary Aluminum Association (APAA) said it supports an executive order issued by Donald Trump to tighten enforcement of aluminium tariffs. Until now, importers had been declaring only the value of the raw aluminium used in products, leaving out the additional value created through processing. This allowed finished aluminium goods to enter the country at lower tariff rates than originally intended. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The latest order requires importers to declare the full value of aluminium products, ensuring tariffs are applied more accurately. The aluminium tariff stays at 50 per cent under Section 232 rules. The order does not change the tariff rate but clarifies how the...

Pakistan's electric fan industry seeks policy change over aluminium exports
Pakistan’s electric fan industry has called on the government to reassess its export policy on key raw materials such as copper and aluminium, warning that rising exports in raw form are weakening domestic manufacturing and limiting growth. This issue was highlighted by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and representatives from the industry, along with members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Pakistan Electric Fan Manufacturers Association. Aurangzeb referred to his earlier interaction with the business community at FPCCI Lahore and said the government is continuing sector-specific consultations to better understand industry requirements. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry...

Korean aluminium, steel, copper exporters gain relief as US revises tariff regime
The United States is simplifying its Section 232 tariffs on derivatives of aluminium, steel, and copper, easing compliance burdens for exporters, including those from Korea. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the revised regime will take effect from April 6 (Eastern Standard Time). The overhaul replaces the earlier system, with duties calculated based on metal content, with a flat-rate structure linked to customs value. Under the new rules, imports will face tariffs of 50 per cent, 25 per cent or 15 per cent. Previously, firms determined tariffs based on the proportion of metal content in individual items. The shift to a uniform valuation model is expected to streamline procedures. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics The...
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Rajnish Khale, IREL: India’s rare earth push facing midstream gap despite rising strategic demand
In this exclusive interview, Shri Rajnish A. Khale highlights that India holds a strong position in rare earth oxide production but lacks a well-developed midstream value chain. While China continues to dominate globally, India is gradually advancing through policy support and strategic investments. Growing demand from EVs, clean energy and defence sectors is expected to drive progress, though supply chain gaps and resource challenges remain key hurdles. Shri Rajnish Arvind Khale joined the Board of IREL (India) Limited as Director (Marketing) with effect from 16th June 2023. He is a Gold Medallist in Textile Engineering from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Gujarat. He has also done a Master's in Business Administration in Marketing from the Faculty of Management Studies,...

Infinix launches NOTE 60 Pro with aluminium frame and Active Matrix LED display
Infinix has launched the NOTE 60 Pro in India, featuring an aluminium frame and a rear Active Matrix LED display, combining design and durability. The main highlight of the phone is the LED module integrated into the camera island, which comes with 288 individual LED pixels. This secondary display can show various notifications such as calls, messages, time and also weather updates, allowing users to access information without interacting with the main screen. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The rear interface also supports interactive elements. Users can customise the visuals through Matrix Studio, while features such as Pixel Pets and also mini games like Star Blast add a fun layer to it. The LED...

Aughinish Alumina gathers $119 profit due to 50% revenue surge
The Aughinish Alumina refinery in Ireland has returned to profit due to the latest alumina price hikes. Its revenue rose sharply. This is the largest alumina refinery in Europe. It is operated by Limerick Alumina Refinery Ltd. (LARL). It is located in the Shannon Estuary. It has witnessed a sharp increase in revenue in 2024. The newly filed accounts for CY 2024 show that the company has recorded a profit of USD 119.36 million before tax. This is a remarkable turnaround for the company, as it went to a loss of USD 113.64 million in 2023. The swing shows an improvement of around USD 233 million year-on-year. The board of directors explained that the profits returned “primarily due to higher alumina market prices”. The refinery’s revenue increased by 50 per cent from 2023 to 2024. It was USD...

Malvern includes aluminium in recycling list for green bins
People living in Malvern are now able to recycle a couple of additional everyday items from their own homes, following an update from Malvern Hills District Council. From now on, aluminium foil can be placed in green recycling bins. This includes common items such as kitchen foil and foil food trays. Plastic tubes have also been added to the list, meaning things like toothpaste tubes no longer need to be thrown away with general waste. Both of these are items most households use regularly, so the change is expected to make a noticeable difference. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " These additions sit alongside the materials that residents have already been recycling for some time. Green bins continue to...

Vedanta reaches top-ever alumina and aluminium output in FY26 with strong metals show
Vedanta Limited reported its highest-ever production across several key businesses for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, showing strong overall performance. Alumina production jumped 48 per cent from last year to 2.92 million tonnes. Aluminium output hit a record 2.46 million tonnes, up 1 per cent. These numbers show Vedanta's place in aluminium and its work on more output and better operations. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In its Zinc India business, mined metal hit a record 1.11 million tonnes, up 2 per cent from last year. Q4 production also rose, thanks to better ore quality and more output. Refined zinc production reached a record 851,000 tonnes for the full year, while fourth-quarter...

NALCO posts record performance with 11.2% uptick in alumina production and 30.7% in sales
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) reported its highest ever performance in FY26, setting a record in production and sales across major segments, according to an exchange filing. The company recorded excavation of 7.701 million tonnes of bauxite and transported around 7.707 million tonnes, which is a 6.13 per cent year-on-year increase. Alumina hydrate production stood at 2.3 million tonnes, while calcined alumina output rose 11.16 per cent year-on-year to 2.275 million tonnes. Aluminium production remained steady, with output at 472,000 tonnes. NALCO also reported its highest-ever net power generation at 6,953 million units, alongside coal production of 4 million tonnes. On the sales side, alumina sales rose 30.74 per cent year-on-year to 1.446 million tonnes, marking the...

PABC pushes ahead with $110M can plant in Afghanistan despite the border closure
Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC) plans a USD 110 million beverage can factory in Afghanistan. This goes ahead despite trade issues from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure since October 2025. The company's latest annual report says the border shutdown has disrupted trade a lot. It's due to security problems across the border and ongoing military actions. This has blocked access to the main export markets like Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia for months. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " PABC noted that a large share of its export business depends on these markets, either directly or through transit routes passing via Afghanistan. The long border closure cut export amounts. It also...

