AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
China's seaborne bauxite trade grows unprecedented levels
Chinese demand for bauxite is restructuring the dry bulk market, with imports of bauxite hitting record levels in 2025. Between January and August, port discharges of bauxite in China reached 145.2 million tonnes, up 26 per cent year-on-year, according to AXSMarine. This marks an increase of 30 million tonnes compared with 2024, the strongest start ever for the trade. Guinea dominates supply, shipping 137.5 million tonnes and accounting for 77 per cent of China’s intake. Australia followed with 30.5 million tonnes, or 17 per cent, while Guyana, Turkey, Sierra Leone, and other exporters added smaller volumes. The long-haul nature of Guinean cargoes has boosted tonne-mile demand, with bauxite’s share of global dry bulk tonne miles rising from just 2 per cent in 2015 to 8.5 per cent this...
Press Metal expects consistent growth through H2 as the aluminium outlook improves
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, an aluminium-producing firm, is set for steady earnings in the second half of 2025. The growth will be supported by firmer aluminium prices, effective hedging and easing input costs. Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB Research) said margins will improve with lower carbon anode prices. These prices fell five per cent quarter-on-quarter. The aluminium–alumina cost ratio is also expected to stay stable at 13–14 per cent. HLIB Research noted, “While alumina prices edged up modestly to USD 362 per tonne in the third quarter (Q3), from USD 354 per tonne in Q2, prices have generally softened through mid-2025 as new refining capacity in China and Indonesia shifted the market into surplus.” The firm expects alumina to remain range-bound at USD 330–USD 370 per...
Vedanta Aluminium adopts AI and IIOT to boost efficiency , safety and sustainability
Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, operates in a resource-intensive industry where efficiency, sustainability, and, most importantly, safety remain paramount. Under the leadership of Rajiv Kumar, CEO, the company has launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative to implement AI, IIoT and advanced technologies across its value chain – from mining to metal production. Image for referential purposes only (source: https://d1rbiogke1jwo5.cloudfront.net/) Also read: Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry “At Vedanta Aluminium, we’ve always believed that transformation begins with intent. As India’s largest aluminium producer operating in a high-risk, resource-intensive industry, our vision has been to lead not just in scale, but in...
McKinsey calls for smarter aluminium scrap sorting to drive recycling value
Consulting firm McKinsey & Co. has urged the aluminium industry to adopt advanced scrap sorting methods to unlock higher-value recycling opportunities. In a recent chart published on its website, the firm noted that 68 per cent of aluminium scrap is post-consumer and over half of it is collected in mixed formats, creating a barrier to quality recovery. “A large portion of aluminium scrap comes from postconsumer sources , but much of it ends up in mixed scrap pools,” noted McKinsey and Germany-based staff member Peter Spiller. He warns that such mixed streams are prone to being “downcycled,” meaning high-value alloys are left unrecovered. Aluminium recycling and the circular economy The analysis builds on McKinsey’s July 2025 report, part of its six-part “Materials Circularity” series,...
Tadweeer partners with Chery for specialised aluminium smelter in Saudi Arabia
National Environmental Recycling Co., popularly known as Tadweeer, has signed a landmark agreement with Chinese automaker Chery to establish an aluminium smelter in Saudi Arabia, announced Tadweer’s CEO Nasser Aldueb announced in an interview with Al Arabiya TV. The project, to be located over 15,000 square metres, is estimated at USD 10–15 million (SAR 37.5–56.3 million). The plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes of specialised aluminium, particularly used in cars. This development follows three years of collaboration between Tadweeer and Chery, during which the former used to supply the latter with recycled aluminium products , which Tadweer is exclusively specialised in.. Aldueb noted that a joint task force has been formed to prepare the feasibility study,...
Indian steel and aluminium exports to EU plunge 24.4 per cent ahead of CBAM rollout, GTRI reports
India’s steel and aluminium exports to the EU plummeted 24.4 per cent in FY25, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). This drop occurs even before the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) duty comes into effect on 1 January 2026, suggesting early market consequences. Reporting rules on carbon emissions which were implemented from 1 October 2023 have already discouraged exporters from shipping to Europe. Steel was hit hardest: iron and steel exports declined 35.1 per cent to USD 3.05 billion, while aluminium exports fell 9.8 per cent. Image for representational purposes only Also read: EGA eyes a USD 10-15 billion IPO, taps regional and global banks amid Middle East listing boom Rising costs and carbon price gaps Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, comments that...
Every Can Counts recycles over 75,000 aluminium cans in the UK and Ireland
This summer, Every Can Counts (ECC) has recycled more than 75,000 aluminium cans in the United Kingdom and Ireland in coordination with various leading beverage brands. Over the past few months, the recycling initiative of Every Can Counts (ECC) has joined forces with significant brands like Red Bull and Most Wanted Wines, along with its team of 77 dedicated ambassadors, and has been active at major events like Latitude, Electric Picnic, and Download Festival. In addition, ECC made its first appearances at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Radio 2 in the Park, LIDO, and Victorious Festivals this year. During all these festivals and events, the ECC team has raised awareness on the importance of recycling and its sustainability by using various innovative props like fun voting bins and eye-catching...
EGA eyes a USD 10-15 billion IPO, taps regional and global banks amid Middle East listing boom
Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC (EGA), the UAE’s industrial powerhouse, has picked leading banks to arrange a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could rank among the Middle East’s largest listings. The deal could value the company at between USD 10 billion and USD 15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Image: EGA EGA, co-owned by Mubadala Investment Company and the Investment Corporation of Dubai, is said to be working with Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Emirates NBD Capital and First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC. Rothschild & Co. is acting as an adviser. However, representatives of the banks and shareholders have declined to comment. The venue of the listing remains a crucial decision, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi competing to attract marquee offerings as they...
QIMC acquires 7% stake in Qatar Aluminium Extrusion Company
Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) has acquired Qatar Oman Investment Company’s (QOIC) entire 7 per cent stake in Qatar Aluminium Extrusion Company (QALEX), raising its holding to 52 per cent. In a statement on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) website, QOIC said the move forms part of a broader strategy to adopt a new policy of exiting some of its investments, with the aim of recycling its investments and directing them towards new investment opportunities that create added value for shareholders, in line with its long-term investment strategy. QIMC becomes majority shareholder Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company described the deal as a step to reinforce its industrial footprint and deliver stronger returns for shareholders. Established in 1990 with a capital of QR396 million...
Vedanta Aluminium honours 2,000+ engineers on Engineers' Day
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, marked Engineers’ Day by honouring the contributions of its 2,000+ engineers across Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh and Korba. With an average age of just 29-30 years, this workforce combines youthful energy with technical depth to power India’s metals and minerals sector.“Our engineers are the driving force behind our manufacturing excellence,” said Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium.“From pioneering digital transformation to embedding sustainability into every process, their contributions go far beyond the factory floor.” Image source: https://d1rbiogke1jwo5.cloudfront.net/ Also read: Adaro Minerals subsidiary aims to launch aluminium smelter operations by December 2025 Engineers at Vedanta Aluminium play a pivotal role in driving...
Adaro Minerals subsidiary aims to launch aluminium smelter operations by December 2025
Mining firm PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia (ADMR) confirmed that its aluminium smelter project, which is being developed by its subsidiary PT Kalimantan Aluminium Industry (KAI), is expected to commence on a staged basis before the end of 2025. This is a positive development, as it raises the prospect of a potential dividend from the financial year 2025, financed from smelter operations profits. Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/ Also read: From Beijing to Washington: Is Mexico’s trade shift a strategic move or survival tactic? ADMR Director Mahardika Putranto noted in a disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025, “The aluminium smelter under construction will enter its first pot operation stage by year-end.” The first phase is designed for 500,000 tonnes of...
South Africa considers countermeasures as international carbon tariffs broaden
South African policymakers are under pressure as Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) spread globally. The EU’s version will take effect in January 2026, while the UK, US, Australia, and Japan are weighing similar measures. Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/ Also read: Downstream weekly: BIS Expands Section 232 tariffs, raising new hurdles for aluminium & steel At a Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) webinar, Mahendra Shunmoogam, director at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC), stressed that the government had formally opposed the EU’s CBAM, calling it a unilateral measure that undermines global trade rules and the sovereignty of developing countries. He added, “Our position is that we fundamentally oppose CBAM because it potentially violates...
From surplus to shortage: aluminium faces a global supply squeeze
The aluminium industry is entering a new phase. For decades, the global market has been defined by surplus. Inventories on the London Metal Exchange (LME) underpinned a thriving financing trade, and China’s vast production growth kept supply more than abundant. But that picture is changing fast. The market is now heading toward its tightest conditions in two decades. Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ Also read: 5% aluminium price hike sparks questions for Vedanta, Nalco, Hindalco Global investment financial and banking services Citi has warned that the world is sleepwalking into the biggest deficits in 20 years. The bank expects aluminium prices to rise beyond USD 3,000 per tonne and stay elevated to prevent shortages. This marks a stark shift for a market historically shaped...
James D. Hoffman appointed to the Board of Directors of Kaiser Aluminium Corporation
Kaiser Aluminium Corporation, the US-headquartered leading producer of semi-fabricated aluminium products, announced the appointment of James D. Hoffman to its Board of Directors, who would be serving as an independent, Class II director within the Board’s compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees. Mr Hoffman will serve the role until it expires at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith A. Harvey, said: “We are honoured to welcome James Hoffman to our Board of Directors. Mr Hoffman brings over 43 years of extensive experience in the metals distribution, fabrication and service centre industries, complemented by a proven track record of strategic insight and visionary leadership. His nearly three decades of...
EGA’s annual Rashid Awards honour 50 employees for their contributions in operational efficiency
Emirates Global Aluminium has celebrated the contributions of its 50 employees in innovations and improvements at the annual Rashid Awards. The accolades are particularly for acknowledging those employees who have contributed tangible innovation and improvements in the areas of safety, cost optimisation, environment, and operational efficiency through EGA’s Suggestion Scheme and Tamayaz programme. EGA’s Suggestion Scheme programme started its operation in 1981. It is one of the longest-running suggestion scheme programs running on the global platform. More than half a million suggestions have been submitted by all the employees within the company. In addition, the Tamayaz programme was introduced in 2016, which enables the managers and the team to analyse the problem faced by them, along...
New trade deal trims import tariffs on Japanese cars, yet no relief from steeper costs
New tariffs on cars and SUVs made in Japan have come into effect this week. Although they are cut by more than 10 per cent, yet they are 500 per cent higher than historical norms and set to drive an increase in car prices. Thus, consumers, automakers, and shareholders are bracing for higher costs this autumn. For most of the summer, Japanese automakers absorbed the added duties rather than immediately raising sticker prices. But with pre-tariff inventory largely sold out, 2026 models are already costlier. Subaru confirmed its 2026 Outback will start at USD 34,995 - USD 5,000 more than last year’s model, after production shifts placed the vehicle under Japan’s tariff regime. Historically, the import duty on Japanese cars stood at 2.5 per cent until the US President Donald Trump imposed an...
Maan Aluminium revises valuation to strengthen long-term stability and profitability pressures
Maan Aluminium, a pioneer in the Aluminium extrusion industry in India, has revised its valuation score to adjust the market’s evaluation grade. This is indeed a reliable move to align seamlessly with a fair market assessment and simultaneously provide investors with a clear picture of the company’s position. Also read: Nigeria's bauxite boom: Is 2025 the turning point for the aluminium frontier? The revision of the evaluation score comes when the company’s financial performance reflects both challenges and resilience. Valuations of Maan Aluminium remain consistently strong with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio at 40.65 per cent and the EV/EBITDA ratio at 27.40. However, it reflects that the market continues to value Maan Aluminium at a premium relative to its earnings. But, when the...
BIS announces renewed submission scope for steel and aluminium tariff expansion
The US-based government agency, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), announced another bout of probability in expanding the derivative horizon of Section 232 tariffs. On September 17, 2025, the Federal Register notice confirmed that requests to add new derivative steel and aluminium products can be filed between September 15 and 29. Each request must include detailed tariff classification data. Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/ Also read: American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward After the filing window, BIS will post petitions for a two-week public comment period. The International Trade Administration (ITA) will then conduct a sixty-day review. Approved inclusions will be announced in the Federal Register, with duties taking effect shortly thereafter. This is the second...
