Japan imported 1.36 million tonnes of downstream aluminium products in January–August 2026, down 6.2 per cent from 1.45 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The latest figures show lower overall imports, with shipments from the UAE seeing the biggest decline among the five leading exporters listed, while imports from Australia also fell. Japan’s total imports decline Japan’s downstream aluminium imports stood at 1.36 million tonnes through August 2026, a drop of around 90,000 tonnes, compared to shipments in 2025 during the same period. However, annual imports remained broadly stable over the previous three years, rising from 2.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.12 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 0.3 per cent. In 2025, imports edged up by a further 0.1 per cent to 2.12 million...
Alumil India, the fully-owned Indian subsidiary of Alumil Group, has successfully delivered advanced fenestration solutions for NICMAR University in Pune, transforming a precast campus vision into a functional, durable and future facing learning environment. The project required approximately three hundred windows within a tight timeline which was successfully delivered by Alumil India. The project deployed Alumil’s top-hung window systems combined with sleek mullions and glazing. “NICMAR University presented an opportunity to demonstrate how fenestration can become an integral part of both a building’s architecture and its performance. The project required us to respond to large openings, intensive daily usage, acoustic and weather considerations, safety, and the specific challenges of...
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Scandium Canada Ltd. has announced notable advancements in creating a fully integrated scandium supply chain, from mining to various downstream applications. Since 2021, Scandium Canada has partnered with McMaster University to innovate the 3D printing process using aluminium-scandium powders. Advancements in 3D printing These proprietary powders, developed by Scandium Canada, are specifically designed to produce parts that are difficult to manufacture using conventional methods. The company is pleased to announce the successful 3D printing of two aluminium alloys enhanced with scandium. Previous challenges related to solidification cracking have been effectively addressed. The company prioritises integrating these innovations into industries characterised by rapid adoption cycles....
In April, the Eurozone's industrial production experienced a slight decline, falling by 0.1 per cent compared to March. This marks a significant downturn, with production now standing 3 per cent lower than it did a year ago. Despite the persistent risks to the economic outlook, particularly from political uncertainties, there are early signs that the decline may be reaching its nadir. Analysts suggest a cautious recovery could be on the horizon for the year's second half, offering a glimmer of hope for the region's industrial sector. Since early 2023, the Eurozone industry has been experiencing a slowdown, with recent data showing no signs of an imminent recovery. Although the broader economy has shown signs of improvement since the beginning of the year, the industrial sector continues...
It is no secret that aluminium is now a popular choice of metal in architectural, automotive, electronics, aerospace, energy, and other industries. But do you know which form of aluminium is used in these industrial sectors? Yes, aluminium extrusions, which are created by extruding aluminium through a die to create complex shapes, making the metal versatile for numerous applications. Driven by a deliberate transition towards a 100% recyclable metal to promote sustainability, the demand and use of aluminium extrusions in end-user products is on a steady rise. In 2023, the estimated usage of aluminium extrusions stood at 31.5 million tonnes, and with the growth projection, it is expected to reach 40.1 million tonnes by 2030, marking a CAGR of 3.51 per cent. World aluminium extrusions usage,...
Crystal IS, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei has achieved a significant milestone in advanced material technology with the serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminium nitride (AlN) substrates. These substrates boast a remarkable 99 per cent usable area, aligning with the current stringent requirements for UVC LEDs. Aluminium nitride, known for its ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity, is pivotal in enhancing the reliability and performance of UVC LEDs. This breakthrough promises to advance UVC LED technology and hold potential benefits for next-generation RF and power devices, marking a notable step forward in the field of electronic materials. Eoin Connolly, the President and CEO of Crystal IS stated, “The improvement of our large diameter substrate quality over...
ANDRITZ, an international technology group, has successfully delivered, installed, and commenced operations of a new continuous surface treatment line along with an integrated wastewater treatment plant at AMAG rolling GmbH in Ranshofen, Austria. This advanced installation, distinguished by its exclusively electric heating system and sophisticated digitalisation, bolsters AMAG’s reputation as a premier specialist in high-quality aluminium surfaces and aligns with the Company’s sustainability objectives. Constructed on a greenfield site, the 115-meter-long facility is equipped with ANDRITZ’s cutting-edge technology, including a highly efficient spray pickling system. This system allows AMAG to perform superior surface treatments on a diverse range of hot-rolled and cold-rolled aluminium...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of AL Circle's newest e-Magazine edition, " Aluminium Extrusions: Shaping the Future ." This publication dives deep into the innovative world of aluminium extrusions, exploring how this versatile material is revolutionising industries and shaping the future of manufacturing. Aluminium extrusions have long been at the forefront of innovation, offering a wide array of benefits ranging from lightweight durability to exceptional flexibility in design. In this publication, we uncover the latest advancements and trends in aluminium extrusion technology, showcasing how it is being utilised across various sectors. What sets this edition apart is its comprehensive coverage of the cutting-edge techniques and applications driving the industry forward. From the...
As technology advances rapidly, industries globally, including the aluminium industry, are undergoing significant transformations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology and a game-changer for numerous sectors, including aluminium and the deep-down aluminium extrusion segment. AI's role in optimising the extrusion process, reducing material waste, and enhancing product quality is significant. Aluminium extrusions are made from solid aluminium cylinders called billets, which are continuously cast from molten aluminium. The extrusion process involves aluminium metal being forced through a die with a shaped opening. Aluminium billet is pre-heated to its plastic state and is forced to flow under applied pressure through a die opening to form an elongated shape or tube. During...
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, an American aluminium producer, has reportedly confirmed the permanent closing of its Sherman facility this summer. The news followed a statement from Kaiser Aluminum representative Anne McGuinness that stated the decision was due to business challenges at the Sherman location. About two years ago, Kaiser Aluminum faced a mishap at Sherman plant for a furnace explosion causing a fire outbreak. Following the accident, Kaiser Aluminium had to prepare for a production cut. McGuinness commented, “Any impacted customers have been or are in the process of being relocated to other Kaiser facilities to continue serving them in line with Kaiser’s corporate value to be a preferred supplier.” Currently, the facility’s 75 employees are working on termination benefits and...
Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State government has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate vital industries within the state. His recent announcement of the reactivation of key sectors such as the Sahel Aluminium Company, Yobe Flour and Feed Mills Company, and the Pre-stressed Concrete Pole Company, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to economic development. The revitalised industries are anticipated to enhance local production and generate employment opportunities. Moreover, the state has recently completed and inaugurated several significant markets: the Ibrahim Geidam Ultra Modern Market in Damaturu and Senator Ahmed I. Looking ahead, the Yobe State government has an ambitious vision for the future. The current projects in the pipeline include...
Uno Minda, a prominent player in India's automotive industry, has recently inked a pivotal Technical License Agreement (TLA) with Suzhou lnovance Automotive Co. of China (lnovance Automotive). This strategic move is set to revolutionise Uno Minda's presence in the electric vehicle (EV) sector within the Indian market. As part of this agreement, Uno Minda secures the rights to produce and distribute a range of cutting-edge high-voltage category EV products designed for both passenger and commercial vehicles. These include the Charging Control Unit (CCU), EV inverter, EV motors, and the revolutionary next-generation 3-in-1 electric drive systems, popularly known as e-Axle. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Uno Minda. It amplifies its electric four-wheeler (e-4W) product...
MAAN Aluminium Limited, a leading aluminium extrusion brand, released its quarterly financial results ended March 31, 2024, reporting a year-on-year 9.69 per cent decline in net sales from INR 262.87 crore to INR 237.40 per tonne. However, on a quarter-on-quarter calculation, MAAN Aluminium’s net sales in Q1 FY2024-25 recorded an increase of 11.47 per cent per cent from INR 212.97 crore. Quarterly net profit stood at INR 7.28 crore at the end of March 2024, reflecting a downfall of 49.65 per cent from INR 14.46 crore a year ago but a slight rise on the quarter by 2.15 per cent from INR 7.44 crore. EBITDA stood at INR 11.77 crore in the March quarter of 2024, down by 47.22 per cent from INR 22.30 crore during the corresponding period of the previous year. MAAN’s EPS experienced a sharp...
On May 23, the National Power Investment Corporation hosted the "World Class" Aluminum Industry Construction Symposium in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The event was attended by officials from the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC). Other important delegates, such as the director of safety and head of the Ministry of Basic Industry, the Chairman, and the Party Secretary of the Inner Mongolia Company, attended the meeting. Special importance was given to establishing a "world-class" aluminium industry. They also highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities to transform and upgrade traditional industries. Officials also called for a comprehensive promotion of the efficient use of aluminium resources, optimising and enhancing the aluminium industry...
On June 5, 2024, Novelis announced that it deferred the initial public offering due to market conditions for an indefinite time. It said the company would evaluate the situation and decide on a suitable time for rolling out the offering. According to a report last week, Novelis was targeting to achieve a market valuation of up to $12.6 billion in its US IPO under the symbol “NVL”. This IPO aims is to raise $945 million by selling 45 million shares for $18-21 each . The proposed IPO was an offer for sale by the existing promoter Hindalco Industries. After the completion of the IPO, Hindalco will reduce its stake in Novelis by 7.5 per cent and retain almost 92.5 per cent of the ownership, owning 555 million shares of Novelis’ common shares. When Hindalco bought Novelis in 2007, the latter’s...
The German aluminium industry is navigating turbulent waters as it grapples with significant production declines across nearly all subsectors in the first quarter of 2024. This downturn exacerbates the pressure from increasing imports, posing additional challenges for domestic manufacturers, as Aluminium Deutschland released in a press release. Aluminium Deutschland is the association of the aluminium-producing and processing industry in Germany. The President of Aluminium Deutschland, Rob van Gils, emphasised, "High energy costs and the overall tense economic situation in Germany continue to hit manufacturers hard. Demand from important customer industries - especially from the construction industry - remains at a low level. Added to this are the weak registration figures for electric...
Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, emphasises the importance of transparency regarding the environmental impact of the materials and products it offers to its customers and partners. To support this commitment, Hydro has released environmental data for 22 manufacturing sites across the U.S. and Canada. About the gathered data Over the past year, Hydro's Extrusion North America business unit worked closely with Ecoinnovazione, a life cycle assessment (LCA) expert, to conduct LCA studies for each of its manufacturing sites. The gathered data was compiled into individual Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which then underwent stringent third-party verification by UL Solutions to ensure accuracy and reliability. Hydro's dedication to transparency is not...
South Korea's factory activity saw its most significant expansion in two years this May, driven by robust growth in both output and orders, fuelled by increasing global demand. According to the latest private-sector survey, the purchasing managers index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector in Asia's fourth-largest economy, compiled by a world-renowned commodity insights firm, surged to a seasonally adjusted 51.6 in May. This marks a substantial rise from April's 49.4, signalling a noteworthy uptick in industrial performance. This was the highest reading since May 2022, following two consecutive months below the 50-mark that distinguishes expansion from contraction. According to the survey, output surged at the fastest pace since July 2021, while new orders saw their largest increase since...
RHB Retail Research has indicated that LB Aluminium Bhd, headquartered in Malaysia, has grown to be one of Asia's largest aluminium extrusion manufacturers and is on track for an upward trajectory after rebounding from its support level. The stock is on track for an upward trajectory after rebounding from its support level. On May 30, 2024, the stock approached the immediate resistance of 59.5 sen, forming a 'White Marubozu' bullish candlestick. In their May 31, 2024, trading update, the research firm noted that a breakout above this resistance could trigger bullish momentum, potentially pushing the stock higher to the 61.5 sen resistance, with the next target at 65 sen. Conversely, RHB Retail Research warned that a dip below the 56 sen support level would reverse this momentum, leading...
Hindalco Industries Limited has awarded a new contract to Tenova for the supply of a state-of-the-art Roll Grinder. This sophisticated machinery, produced by Pomini Tenova, is destined for Hindalco’s renowned Renukoot aluminium plant in Uttar Pradesh, India. The roll grinder will enhance the plant’s hot and cold rolling mills by efficiently grinding work rolls, backup rolls, and auxiliary rolls. The new Roll Grinder from Pomini Tenova is engineered to operate foundation-free, a testament to its advanced design and efficiency. Key features include: Pomini Digital Surface Analysis (PDSA): This cutting-edge technology performs precise roll surface analysis with remarkable speed, enhancing safety and reducing reliance on operator expertise. Pomini Process Monitoring (PPM): Equipped with...
