AlCircle News Edited By "Trisha Hazra"
Trisha Hazra is a rising digital marketing enthusiast who is passionate about writing and content creation. She is pursuing an MBA in Digital Marketing and is on a journey to blend creativity and aluminium with strategic insights.
LME aluminium cash offer hits $3,070/t as Asian Reference Price & inventories fall
On February 23, the week started with a rise in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price . However, the 3-month Asian Reference Price reflected a downturn in the price with the opening of the week and the previous day’s close. The LME inventory also declined, while the alumina platts price remained the same from the previous close. The LME cash bid inched up by USD 16 per tonne or 0.5 per cent, shifting from USD 3,052 per tonne to USD 3,068 per tonne. The LME cash offer also showed an increase of USD 17 per tonne or 0.6 per cent, reaching USD 3,070 per tonne from USD 3,053 per tonne. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform A similar trend followed the forward contracts, where the LME 3-month bid and offer inched up by USD 18 per tonne or 0.6 per...
Polestar’s aluminium-based EV push signals four-model expansion through 2028
Polestar, a Swedish electric performance car brand, signalled the rapid growth in the high-value electric vehicle market. The firm made an announcement stating its plan to expand its biggest product by launching four new electric vehicles over the next three years. The deliveries of the Polestar 5 will start sometime in mid-2026, with an expected new variant of the Polestar 4. In early 2027, the next-generation Polestar 2 will be introduced along with a compact SUV. The Polestar 7 has been planned for launch in 2028. Michael Lohscheller, the Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, informed that these rollouts will mark a major transition in momentum for the firm. He says, "Following our best sales year ever, we are now launching the largest model offensive in our history, with four premium...
Sonoco results surge as metal packaging and Eviosys drive gains
For the fourth quarter and the entire year ending December 31, 2025, Sonoco Products Company, a metal packaging company, which also specialises in manufacturing aluminium ends and closures, showed high-achieving financial results, due to the success of its metal packaging division. During the fourth quarter, the packaging firm's net sales surged by nearly 30 per cent, reaching USD 1.8 billion. This is mainly owed to the Eviosys acquisition, a brand that recently became a part of Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA and also produces aluminium cans in different shapes and sizes, along with better pricing strategies. Also read: A1R water to transform humidity into drinking water for attendees at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival® GAAP net income recovered to USD 332 million from a loss incurred...
AC makers pivot to aluminium as copper surge bites: Vir Advani
On Friday, the deputy chairman of the western region of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vir S Advani, shared that air-conditioning and refrigeration producing companies are shifting towards aluminium. This decision aims to help reduce reliance on copper, especially when the price continues to rise due to increased demand from data centres. Advani, the chairman and managing director of Blue Star, an India-based air conditioner, air purifier and water cooler manufacturer, flagged two major reasons for this decision. One, the hike in the price of air-conditioners (ACs) due to the necessary improvements in energy efficiency. Also read: Embraer signs MoU with Hindalco to source aerospace aluminium from India Another reason is the increased copper price, which has seen a hike of...
Record year for EBRD risk-sharing drive in central Asia and Mongolia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is starting with its risk-sharing framework (RSF) throughout Central Asia and Mongolia. As reported by Qazinform News Agency, referencing the Bank’s press service, the initiative will allow EBRD to take on 50 per cent of the credit risk associated with loans provided by partner financial institutions, which in turn will help local businesses gain access to essential development funding. Standing out in the crowd In 2025, 31 risk-sharing transactions totalling EUR 28.5 million with 26 companies throughout Central Asia and Mongolia were completed by EBRD., which is deemed to be a new regional record. The bank's support focuses on privately owned businesses, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are involved in...
Embraer signs MoU with Hindalco to source aerospace aluminium from India
Embraer, the Brazil-based aerospace industry leader and Hindalco, a leading global aluminium producer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of sourcing aerospace-grade aluminium from India. This new agreement builds on the firm’s existing supply partnership with Novelis, which is Hindalco’s US-based subsidiary and aligns with the company’s goal of expanding and diversifying its supply chains. As per the MoU signed by both firms, they will be exploring the possibility of producing aerospace-grade aluminium raw materials in India. The aircraft company affirmed the initiative to focus on upholding industrial plans in the country and align with the Indian government's "Make in India" programme. Aircraft made by the firm have been flown by airlines,...
Global downstream aluminium shifts gears amid investments, volatility and record earnings
The global aluminium industry is facing transformation with new joint ventures popping up in North America, capacity expansions taking place in India and Indonesia and exciting technological advancements in material science. Additionally, there are strategic investments backed by governments in Africa and the Middle East. However, challenges like profitability pressures, operational hiccups and shifting trade dynamics are all influencing the financial results of major players. The sector is experiencing a complex mix of record earnings fueled by rising prices, alongside margin pressures from fires, tariffs and inflation. It is a fascinating time of growth, resilience and adjustment in production, consumption and end-use demand. Recent developments in the Downstream AL sector globally...
Copper cable thefts trigger DMRC’s aluminium switch to outsmart thefts
Due to the frequent issue of copper cable being stolen, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is tackling this by swiftly shifting to aluminium wiring throughout its vast network. The move involves a revamped security strategy, including a significant investment of INR 325.9 million. Investment aims towards installing aluminium cables over 175 kilometres of its operations. Major attention to the most vulnerable areas, especially the Yamuna Bank line, the Airport Express Line and the Pink Line, is being given by this overhaul. The switch to aluminium is anticipated to address the ongoing issue of cable thefts that have been causing service disruptions and reduce these criminal activities while also improving power and signalling reliability throughout the network. Also read: India’s...
Price dip without stock shift: LME aluminium cash offer price settles at $3,026/t
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price on February 19 dipped from the previous close, including the 3-month Asian Reference Price. However, there has been no change in the LME inventory from yesterday’s close. Both the LME cash bid and offer declined by USD 9 per tonne or 0.3 per cent, where the bid moved down from USD 3,034.5 per tonne to USD 3,025.5 per tonne. Similarly, the cash offer shifted from USD 3,035 per tonne to USD 3,026 per tonne. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform At the futures contract, the LME 3-month bid changed negatively by USD 5 per tonne or 0.2 per cent and finally on February 19, settled at USD 3,055 per tonne from USD 3,060 per tonne. Concurrently, the LME 3-month offer also moved downward by USD 5.5 per tonne or 0.2...
Aluminium futures hover at ₹306: Traders’ eye next swing
Aluminium futures price currently reached INR 307 per kg. At the beginning of the month, the contracts were recorded in a stable situation, remaining in a stable range. M-o-M aluminium futures movement As the market witnessed fluctuations in the January second half, traders on both the bullish and bearish sides kept negotiating, with no clear breakout or strong trend emerging just yet. Also read: LME aluminium cash offer increases to $3,035/t on February 18 as opening stocks decline 0.42% to 475,550t In early February, aluminium futures have been moving in a range between INR 302 and INR 318 per kg. A strong breakout from this sideways movement could give the market a clearer idea of where prices are headed next. Current trading situation In the present situation, the contract is being...
EXCLUSIVE: A snippet of Australia-India critical minerals relations, right from His Excellency Kevin Goh, Australian High Commission
Economic Times (ET) Infra recently hosted the 4th edition of Global Metals and Mining Meet, held at Kolkata, India, on February 18, which revealed the Indian mining industry with ample insights and information, including on the current mining relations between India and Australia. The discussion shed light on Australia’s high capacity for exploration, aligning with that of India’s high-growth economy. His Excellency Kevin Goh is the Consul-General in Kolkata, representing the Australian High Commission as a senior Australian diplomat. At the ET Infra Global Metals and Mining Meet, he shared insights on how Australia can benefit India in terms of critical minerals and support in enriching India's critical minerals in the coming years. Australia-India benefiting one another As rightly said...
Aluminium price surge sets the stage for Press Metal’s biggest earnings yet
As highlighted by RHB Research, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd is securing a core profit of over RM2 billion for the very first time in the financial year ending December 31, 2025 (FY25). This marks a milestone, which holds the attribute of the rising aluminium price and stable alumina rates. On February 26, 2026, the aluminium producer will be unveiling its Q4 results. To this, analysts anticipate that the core profit after tax and minority interest will range from RM650 million to RM730 million for 4Q FY25. This would bring the total earnings for the year to approximately RM2.2 billion to RM2.3 billion. Also read: Press Metal sets a new aluminium shares record with a new high of MYR 7.40 The anticipated improvement is mainly because of the rising aluminium prices on the London Metal...
Aluminium-based EV battery hints at cold-weather breakthrough in early trials
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics' researchers in China introduced a new EV battery technology promising to perform better in freezing temperatures than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The project includes a “liquid-solid” battery, which is deemed to maintain over 85 per cent of its capacity even after running for eight hours at a chilling −34°C (−29°F). Some encouraging results have been established when the early testing was conducted with industrial-grade drones. In EVs, the liquid-solid technology has not been tested yet, but a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is working in a related area. This educational firm is looking to experiment with a different type of EV battery, which is specifically designed to perform in sub-zero temperatures, using a production...
Leadership shift: Constellation Brands appoints Nicholas Fink as President & CEO
Nicholas Fink, as announced by Constellation Brands, Inc., will be taking charge as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, starting April 13, 2026. He has been a part of the firm’s Board of Directors since 2021 and will now undertake roles previously held by Bill Newlands. After the transition, Newlands will continue to serve on the company’s Board. The previous President and CEO of the firm informed that he will be stepping down from his current position on April 13, 2026. Till that time, he will be working as a strategic advisor to help ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Additionally, he will retire from the company’s Board on the same date, April 13, 2026. Chris Baldwin, the Board Chair of Constellation Brands, stated, "Over the past several years, Constellation Brands’...
Apple’s low-cost MacBook may ditch M-series for iPhone chip while keeping aluminium build
Apple informed that the finishing touches on a new entry-level MacBook designed for both education and business users will feature an iPhone-class processor, stepping away from the M-series chips that are used in the rest of the lineup. It is expected that the pricing will go below USD 1 thousand and will keep the sleek aluminium chassis intact. As per the latest Mark Gurman’s newsletter, the laptop, whose internal code name is J700, will feature a standard metal casing instead of plastic. The mobile company is working on a new forging process aiming to cut down on manufacturing costs and further allowing for quicker and more efficient production of the shells compared to the unibody enclosures found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Also read: Inside China’s automotive shift: Aluminium...
EEG collects 11,963 kg of aluminium cans, strengthening UAE climate action push
Under the theme “Turn Your Can into Climate Action,” as initiated by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the 30th edition of its flagship Can Collection Day was celebrated. The main aim of this event is to turn recycling into a powerful nationwide movement, encouraging everyone to take responsibility for the climate. Theme of Can Collection Day this year Celebrated on the same day as Valentine’s Day, UAE communities came together to show their dedication to the environment by participating in collective recycling initiatives. This effort is based on the idea that taking action against climate change starts with the small and everyday choices people as a community make. This initiative, marking its 30th year in 2026, has transformed from a small UAE campaign into one of the most...
Global aluminium value chain sees capacity expansions, trade shifts, premium spikes and volatile LME prices shaping 2026 outlook
The momentum in the global aluminium value chain is showing a complicated blend of growth, changing trade patterns and price fluctuations. As upstream mining, alumina production and downstream investments continue to develop together, the global aluminium industry is seeing everything from new capacity and cross-border resource transfers to spikes in premiums and shifting LME signals. These recent changes suggest that the industry is adjusting to focus on cost competitiveness, supply security and demand resilience as we look ahead to 2026. All about growth with rising revenue & consumption Metro Mining, by enhancing the Bauxite Hills operation in Cape York, is taking advantage of a 7 million-tonne expansion to meet the growing global demand for bauxite and the diverse needs of its...
Is the aluminium coffee capsule recycling racing to gain the same traction as the aluminium cans? Everything you need to know…
Recycling of aluminium coffee capsules, in France, is rapidly increasing with the right public awareness and behaviour towards reusing, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges in sorting practices. A survey of 1,977 users taken between November 20 and December 9, 2025, revealed that a quarter of participants make use of aluminium coffee capsules. The Associationpour le Recyclage des Capsules en Aluminium (ARCA), a French initiative, ensures 100 per cent of aluminium coffee capsules are recycled and is looking to measure the factors in aluminium capsule sorting practices for understanding the current challenges and push recycling further. Numbers showing where the recycling of coffee capsules stands A market research analyst from FMI deems that the recycling systems of the...
