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.
Xiaomi faces 400+ consumer complaints over its year-long delivery waitlist
No matter what age we purchase a car, everyone waits for the delivery to be completed and can go for the first drive. But what happens when this gets delayed beyond expectation? A similar backlash is faced by Xiaomi, a Chinese-based multinational corporation, for the delayed delivery of its YU7 electric SUV, which is reportedly over a year behind schedule. Is the company failing to meet the customer satisfaction level of other EV brands? Image source: mi.com The majority of Xiaomi's consumer base has reported delayed delivery of their YU7 electric SUV for an extended period of one year, without prior notification of the delivery issue. As of now, the consumer complaint count has exceeded 400, which the firm plans to address by a livestream after ramping up its production scale. The...
Guinea's bauxite Q1’25 exports up 39% amid licence cancellations. China leads in demand!
Guinea's bauxite exports witnessed a 39 per cent surge in Q1 2025, valued at 48.6 million tonnes, despite ongoing setbacks concerning the cancellation of the licenses of major operators. The majority of Guinea's bauxite in Q1 2025 was exported to China, where aluminium production further recovered, already reaching 18.59 million tonnes in the first five months of 2025. The current bauxite industry of Guinea According to the SMM report, Guinea's bauxite sector has received significant attention in recent years, with production reaching almost 137 million tonnes annually, alongside mining and infrastructure projects. Substantial contributions to this effort were made by Kebo Energy SA, GAC, EGA, Arrow Minerals, and Trans-Guinean Railways. Shortly, the Guinea military-led government began to...
US beverage can makers shift to recycled aluminium to counter tariffs and stabilise supply chains
The US beverage can industry aims to offset its manufacturing cost inflation by using recycled aluminium, which is exempt from the 50 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel. By using recycled aluminium, the entire industry would shield nearly 70 billion cans, an industry valued at USD 36.95 billion in 2024, from potential financial threats and loss. Recently, the Trump administration has applied a 50 per cent tariff on imports of consumer packaged goods made from aluminium and steel, creating a robust tension among manufacturers. However, this created a nudge towards using recycled aluminium for beverage can packaging. US beverage can production According to the IMARC report, the aluminium beverage can production in the US in 2024 was 155.8 Billion Units and is expected to reach 209.7...
Mahindra shifts to aluminium for lightweight powertrain & battery innovations
In the global automotive industry, the implications of stricter emission regulations and fuel efficiency targets have created an urgency for manufacturers to adopt efficient technologies with lightweight components. Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturing company, is now slowly shifting from steel to aluminium and here's everything you need to know about the transition. Image source: pinterest.com Over the past twenty years, Mahindra has methodically redesigned its powertrain systems, which include internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric drivetrains, to reduce weight, enhance thermal efficiency and prepare platforms for strict regulations such as India's BS6 and upcoming CAFE standards. This lightweight effort was not the result of one major innovation but rather a gradual,...
Benson’s aluminium recycling debate: A case for awareness over alarm
A proposed aluminium recycling plant in Benson, USA, has stirred deep concerns among local residents, who fear the facility might lead to environmental harm, noise pollution, and water overuse — if not immediately, then in the long run. While the anxieties are understandable, especially given the plant’s location near residential areas, experts suggest these concerns might be rooted more in misinformation than in facts. Image source: IndiaMART The plant, led by Aluminum Dynamics, aims to recycle used beverage cans, which is symbolically an initiative to benefit the environment.“Aluminium is 100 percent recyclable. It’s infinitely recyclable, and we want to take advantage of that and keep these cans out of our landfills,” said Glenn Pushis, President of Aluminum Dynamics, in a statement...
ALCORE advances aluminium smelter waste recycling with federal funding
ALCORE, a majorly owned subsidiary of ABX Group, a global leader in the clean technology and materials sector, is gaining traction for ramping up its production capabilities backed by federal funding for aluminium-related industrial chemicals. The funding has been provided under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative to support the development of advanced recycling processes. The firm's dynamism marks broader global and national efforts aimed at expanding sustainable industrial methods while reducing emissions from heavy industries. The proprietary process in ALCORE primarily aims to extract hydrogen fluoride from the aluminium smelter bath waste, along with other critical compounds. With the accumulation of funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the transition from...
India warns of retaliatory tariffs if US doubles aluminium and steel duties
In a recent event, where the US retaliated and dismissed India's request for a safeguard measure on aluminium and steel, it was not a bilateral discussion at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Now, India is on the road to imposing a retaliatory tariff only if the US fails to continue the conversation on the imposed tariff on aluminium and steel. Is this trade war between the US and India indicating a possible disruption in their trade relations? Image source: linkedin.com A recent report by Moneycontrol indicates that there is no sign of action initiated or implemented by India during the bilateral talks conducted at the WTO. But, both regions were focused on striking a favourable trade deal by July 9, when the reciprocal tariffs were paused for 90 days. However, on July 4, the Trump...
Vedanta Aluminium partners with GAIL Gas to power low-emission casthouse at Jharsuguda
By the end of 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, one of the world's leading aluminium producers, is set to open a new casthouse with a 62 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. The project is being initiated by collaborating with Gail Gas, who will supply its 430kt per year Cathouse 4 at Jharsuguda. Image source: refra.com The partnership aims to ensure a stable supply of natural gas for the fuel operations of its casthouse, which is designed to produce 259kt per year of billet and 180kt per year of value-added products. With a target to commence the operation by the end of 2025, the partnered company will develop a 7.5 km pipeline, ensuring a direct supply of gas to the new facility. As reported by the company in its latest financial note, it is estimated that the new casthouse will draw nearly...
LNER, first UK rail operator to serve spirits in 100% recycled aluminium bottles
Sustainability is now right on track with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) trains, which range between Scotland and London, offering new spirits by Dutch Barn Vodka, Farm Distillery's Y-Gin, and Scottish Common Ground Whiskey, all packed in a 100 per cent postconsumer recycled aluminium bottle. These collaborations share common values, all of which point to sustainability. Image source: linkedin.com Dutch Barn Vodka, well known for its ultra-smooth flavour, and Y-Gin, for its distinctive London Dry-style gin, champion Yorkshire's culinary heritage through a blend of botanicals and an eco-conscious twist. Meanwhile, Scottish Common Ground Whiskey is a new in-line spirit released by Brand Tap Group. These partnerships among the three companies demonstrate a commitment to sustainability...
Bangladesh enters global solar export market with 64.6 MW PV module shipment to US-based CleanGrid
Bangladesh successfully begins its photovoltaic (PV) solar module exports to the US-based CleanGrid Incorporation by collaborating with Dhaka-based Radiant Alliance Ltd to ship 64.6 megawatts (MW). Bangladesh, which used to be an importer, has now begun exporting. Is this an indication of a greater manufacturing structure and growing competitiveness in the global market? Radiant Alliance Ltd produces passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules using solar cells from Indonesia and Laos for its 6000 MW factory. This is the first consignment sent by the firm to the US-based CleanGrid Incorporation, which had ordered a total of 64.60 MW. Radiant Alliance assembled 100 W PERC and 200 W TOPCon for the 600 MW factory in Ashulia, near Dhaka, for order...
Trump tariff fuels packaging shake-up: Industry caught between rising costs and shifting strategies
Canned food producers in the United States are voicing growing concern over the disruptions caused by the country’s unpredictable trade policies. Andy Russick, a canned fruits and tomatoes manufacturer, has highlighted how rising tariffs have led to surging raw material costs, calling the strategy only a blunt tool to counter cheap Chinese imports. Previously, soft drink, beer and pre-packaged food companies had also echoed similar concerns. With heightened tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, questions are now mounting over the future direction of global packaging—are we heading towards more instability and rising costs in the supply chain? Before entering the trade war, the packaging sector faced challenges in imports of Chinese fruit cocktails, similar canned foods, and vegetables...
EU aluminium scrap exports surge amid US tariff hike, prompting calls for export duties
Many associations in the European Union (EU) have urged the imposition of export duties on aluminium scrap, especially after a heightened demand from the US, following its exclusion from Trump’s 50 per cent tariff, it is led to a decline. Based on it, the EU’s carbon emission goals might be affected, especially with CBAM to be implemented within the next 6 months, creating tension in the secondary aluminium production. With Trump's 50 per cent tariff on imported aluminium and steel, European metal producers indicate a shortage in their scrap inventory, but surge in demand has inflated the prices. Owing to this, European Aluminium reached out to the European Union to impose export authorisation measures, which were there till the Covid pandemic. In the EU's push for reducing carbon...
China’s rare earth export curb prompts "force majeure" claims, putting India’s auto and EV supply chains at risk
Over 35 Indian importers have not received any shipment of rare earth magnets alongside pending licence approval from China, creating havoc in the automobile sector. Importers of China are now in legal consultation to eliminate the possibility of a "force majeure clause (FMC)" within their supply contacts with the automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With China being a dominant leader in rare earth, how will this curb impact the Indian automobile sector? OEMs are undertaking intense discussions with the suppliers about providing a grace period where no penalties would be imposed. However, the imports can further invoke the FMC clause if there is no hope after the graced period. One importer of rare earth magnets proposed talking with China to resolve the issue and obtain...
Paul Coulson to step back from Ardagh Group control with $250 million in return under debt restructuring plan
Due to a sweeping debt restructuring at Ardagh Group, billionaire Paul Coulson, who has worked at the global packaging giant for over 35 years, will have to relinquish his control over the company. Creditors will take over the charge by paying Coulson USD 250 million in return as part of the proposed deal. Image source: logonoid.com With the USD 250 million, Coulson is asked to exit his powers over the Group's glass operations and stakes in AMP. It has surfaced that the firm is undertaking debt restructuring due to heavy debt worth USD 12.5 billion, where bonds will refinance roughly USD 2.5 billion by August 2026, besides undertaking recapitalisation efforts. Currently, AMP's 76 per cent is owned by the Ardagh Group, which reportedly had greater financial performance in the recent...
Farther Finance boosts its stakes in Ball Corporation by 51.3% amid mixed analyst ratings
In the first quarter of 2025, Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased their holdings in Ball Corporation by 51.3 per cent, owning 1,474 post-purchase shares after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the same timeframe. As per the recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange (SEC), the organisation holds shares worth USD 77,000 in Ball Corporation. Based on reports shared by multiple research analysts, Truist Financial, back in April 2022, cut their target price of Ball's shares from USD 65 to USD 58, setting a "buy" rating. On the same note, on April 7, UBS Group lowered its target share price from USD 55 to USD 54, marking it as a "neutral" rating. Additionally, on April 15, Mizuho lowered its share price target from USD 63 to USD 58, setting it as an "outperform" rating. On the...
Metlen Energy & Metals warns of risks to Europe's aluminium scrap, urging safeguards
In the wake of the Trump administration's tariff hike to 50 per cent on aluminium excluding the scrap, alongside the UK coming into a discussion for relief, a rising concern has levitated in Europe. A silent "scrap battle" arises from Europe, which is deemed to have lost a vast amount of aluminium scrap and is said to be going into the US domains. The demand surge for European aluminium scrap after the doubling of the US tariff on primary aluminium is creating a threat to the in-house recycling facilities. This has been a concern since European aluminium scrap is referred to as "strategic raw material" enriched with energy and value. Hence, an excessive outflow of scrap can affect the continent's sustainability goals. Other threats include climate goals, energy security, and the...
India imposes 5-year anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium foil imports as domestic producers push for market resilience
The Indian government has taken a bold step by implementing five-year anti-dumping duties on aluminium foil from Russia, China and Taiwan. The duties are imposed under the finding of unfair trade practices that are poised to hurt the domestic industries, following the Indian aluminium extrusion industry’s demand to implement safeguard measures to protect the underutilised domestic units from potential overdumping by Free Trade Agreement countries. With the anti-dumping duties for the next five years, where is the Indian aluminium foil industry heading? Image source: iasgyan.in Back in March 2024, India launched a probe into aluminium foil imports from China to safeguard the interest of the domestic industries. This was initiated in response to the complaint filed by key domestic players...
Uno Minda to invest INR 210 crore in an aluminium die-casting facility supporting EV powertrain demand and localisation efforts
Uno Minda, a leading automotive components and systems manufacturing company, is setting up an aluminium die-casting plant in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, after the board approved an INR 210 crore (USD 25.15 million) investment. The firm added 2.23 per cent post-approval to set up the greenfield manufacturing facility. This expansion aims to meet the rapidly growing demand for casting components pivoted in electric EVs (two- and four-wheelers). Image source: craftsmanautomation.com With the hastened movement towards electric vehicles, the demand for lightweight and high-performing vehicle platforms is where aluminium die casting is becoming critical. Advanced die-casting capabilities are required within the EV's aluminium-based structure and thermal capabilities, especially for the EV...
