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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W.P. Carey has expanded its portfolio by acquiring an €80 million package, comprising four industrial facilities in Italy and an R&D facility in Canada, through a sale and leaseback transaction. The 103,000 square meter portfolio is now under triple-net leases to Metra SpA and Metra Aluminium, facilitated by Newmark. In Italy, the properties are subject to a long-term master lease with annual rent escalations. At the same time, the Canadian asset will be incorporated into WP Carey's existing lease with Metra starting in 2022, featuring fixed yearly rent increases, as stated by the NYSE-listed company. W. P. Carey has a long history of providing customised capital solutions to publicly traded and privately held companies, developers, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies. Its...
Volvo is poised to inaugurate an unconventional era of production innovation slated to commence in 2026 at its illustrious Torslanda plant in Sweden. This ambitious endeavour is set to unfold alongside the implementation of the SPA3 platform, heralding the third iteration of Volvo's cutting-edge vehicle technology tailored explicitly for electric mobility solutions. At the heart of this transformative venture lies the ingenious mega-casting technique, a method pioneered by visionaries at Tesla and under consideration by industry stalwart Toyota. This avant-garde approach entails the creation of expansive singular vehicle components through the precision of die-cast moulding, where molten metal is artfully poured into the desired shapes. For instance, envisage the entire rear floor section...
On May 9, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Hindalco Industries Limited inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. As per the agreement signed, Hindalco will produce and supply marine-grade aluminium to the Indian Coast Guard for ship manufacturing. The signing of the MoU is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the Indian Coast Guard and Hindalco Industries Limited. Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), ICG IG HK Sharma, and Shri Nilesh Koul, CEO of Hindalco’s downstream aluminium business, affixed their signatures to the document in the presence of senior ICG officials, marking the beginning of a promising partnership. As per the MoU, Hindalco has committed to providing ICG with additional services such as quarterly pricing, supply priority, and a...
Vista Metals has recently completed the construction of its seventh aluminium casthouse at Adairsville, Georgia. This achievement marks a pivotal point in the company's extensive $100 million long-term capital strategy and constitutes the second phase of the initiative. The newly established casthouse in Georgia encompasses integrating melting furnaces, homogenising ovens, and accompanying support apparatus. VMC Specialty Alloys LLC, also known as Vista Metals Georgia, functions under a licensing arrangement with Vista Metals Corp, headquartered in Fontana, CA. With Vista Progressive Metals LLC, a key player in aluminium lithium products, this consortium stands at the forefront of manufacturing speciality aluminium products. Its products cater to diverse sectors, including aerospace,...
Mexico has reportedly lifted tariffs on aluminium imports from certain countries that do not have sufficient supplies. As per the report, Mexico has revoked a 35 per cent tariff on primary unalloyed aluminium and a 20 per cent tariff on primary alloy that were placed in late April to check imports from China and elsewhere. Explaining the decision, the Mexican government said that the supply of raw unalloyed or alloyed aluminium in countries with which Mexico signed an international treaty of trade matters was inadequate for the automotive and electronics industries. Originally, tariffs were imposed to provide certain and fair market conditions to the domestic industry that faced situations of vulnerability caused by international trade. The tariffs were designed in large packages...
According to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday, May 8, Hindalco Industries Limited is seeking about $1.2 billion in the initial public offering of its US-based unit Novelis. The aim is to list Novelis on the New York Stock Exchange by September 2024. Hindalco, one of India’s largest aluminium producers, targets to draw a value of $18 billion for Novelis. But Hindalco has refused to comment and so has Novelis on Reuters’ request. In late February, Novelis confidentially filed paperwork for a US IPO, with sole stakeholder Hindalco selling shares. Bank of America and Citigroup are the two banks working on listing Novelis on New York Stock Exchange. Earlier this week, Novelis announced its fourth quarter FY2024 fiscal results, disclosing a 6 per cent Y-o-Y growth in net income to $166 million...
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has begun new chapter of expansion with the acquisition of ATEK Metal Technologies, an esteemed Iowa-based aluminium castings manufacturer. This acquisition not only signifies growth but also embodies a nostalgic return to roots, intertwining the legacies of both companies. Under the astute leadership of CEO Sachin Shivaram , WAF has diligently crafted its path towards expansion, leveraging acquisitions as pivotal milestones in its journey. "ATEK is a key supplier to leading motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson. More than 100 years ago, Harley was among WAF's foundational customers in the early 1900s, and with this acquisition, we're pleased to have this story come full circle, and with the strong relationship ATEK leadership has forged with all its...
Step into the world of precision-crafted aluminium profiles with Darshan Extrusions Pvt. Ltd. Established in 2013, this renowned manufacturer and wholesaler has been shaping the industry landscape with their commitment to quality and innovation. At Darshan Extrusions, quality is not just a promise but a way of life. They specialise in an array of high-quality aluminium sections, profiles, extrusions, channels, and more. Each product is meticulously crafted from top-notch materials sourced from trusted vendors, ensuring durability and reliability. Customisation for unique needs Recognising that every project has its distinct requirements, Darshan Extrusions offers customisable solutions . Whether it's specific dimensions, designs, or finishes, they cater to the unique specifications...
Shandong Hongcan Material Technology Co., Ltd., the subsidiary of China Hongqiao Group, one of the world's largest aluminium producers covering the entire aluminium industry chain, stands at the forefront of innovation and efficiency in China's manufacturing sector. This pioneering company is revolutionising the production of automotive aluminium alloy structural parts, driving progress with remarkable strides. Shandong Hongcan Material Technology has recently achieved a remarkable feat by introducing China's pioneering "One Mould Four Outputs" technology. This revolutionary advancement enables a single mould to produce four automotive parts concurrently, marking a significant leap in production efficiency and cost reduction within the manufacturing realm. Through the seamless integration...
In an intriguing advancement aimed at consolidating its foothold in the emerging aluminium component manufacturing landscape, Craftsman Automation recently announced its acquisition of the residual 24% stake in DR Axion India (DRAIPL). This acquisition, following Craftsman's previous purchase of the 76% stake in DRAIPL in February 2023 , marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion journey. DR Axion India, with its specialisation in manufacturing aluminium cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, and auto components for passenger vehicles, presents a lucrative opportunity for Craftsman Automation to bolster its presence in the passenger vehicle segment. The acquisition is poised to unlock synergistic benefits, offering enhanced process efficiencies and access to DRAIPL's esteemed...
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has levied anti-dumping duty on aluminium road wheels imported from China. This action follows a review initiated by the designated authority, as outlined in notification number 7/13/2023-DGTR dated 30th September 2023, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, is aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and protecting the interests of the domestic industry. Review under sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act The designated authority, via notification number 7/13/2023-DGTR dated 30th September 2023, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, has instigated a review under sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and rule 23 of the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment, and...
China and other nations' concerted efforts to undermine American industries are widespread and widely acknowledged. Now, they have set their sights on a new target in Georgia: manufacturers specialising in extruded aluminium. This perspective comes from Brook Massey, President of MI Metals, Inc. in Millen. Aluminium is one of the most essential materials in everyday products, ranging from automobiles to kitchen appliances and window frames. However, despite its significance, the U.S. extruded aluminium industry has faced challenges due to unfair competition from abroad. Led by China, fourteen countries are inundating the U.S. market with cheaply dumped and subsidised aluminium extrusions, jeopardising a $7 billion industry. Thankfully, the U.S. government is actively exploring measures to...
Chinese scientists have pioneered a superlative aluminium alloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, heralding a new era in aerospace engineering. This remarkable achievement addresses a longstanding challenge, expanding the operational range of aluminium alloys to unprecedented heights. Traditionally prized for their lightweight properties, high strength, and corrosion resistance, aluminium alloys have long been the cornerstone of aerospace construction. However, their limited heat resistance, particularly within the critical temperature bracket of 350 to 500 degrees Celsius, has posed significant obstacles to further advancement. Elevating thermal resistance Led by He Chunnian from Tianjin University, a team of researchers embarked on a quest to enhance the thermal capabilities...
Alfiniti Inc. has made a significant stride in solidifying its position as a premier provider in the aluminium tube industry with the recent acquisition of Alabama Tube Corporation. This strategic move underscores Alfiniti's commitment to diversifying its product line and enhancing its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clientele. Alfiniti Inc. now stands uniquely positioned in the market as the sole U.S. manufacturer of welded aluminium tubes, bolstering its ability to offer a comprehensive range of aluminium tube products. This acquisition reaffirms the company's dedication to supporting domestic manufacturing and ensuring the availability of locally sourced aluminium tube products. Enhanced product portfolio The Managing Director of Alfiniti Inc., Steve James, stated: "This...
On Monday, a tragic fire incident occurred at a unit supplying raw materials to fireworks factories in Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Owned by R Chinnakaruppu, the unit saw five workers sustain critical injuries while producing aluminium powder from sheets, an essential ingredient in fireworks manufacturing. Sengamalapatti is a village panchayat located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu state, India. The injured were swiftly taken to Sivakasi Government Hospital, where they remain in critical condition. According to sources, the fire erupted suddenly while the workers were grinding chemicals, swiftly engulfing the shed with a deafening roar. Firefighters from Sivakasi rushed to the scene but encountered difficulties in extinguishing the flames....
Novelis Inc., the premier manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum goods and the globe's largest recycling company, disclosed its financial performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023-24 on May 6, 2024. The company highlighted that its results were predominantly bolstered by the advantages derived from recycling activities. As per the report, the company’s net income attributable to common shareholder and net income from continuing operations stood at $166 million, reflecting an increase of 6 per cent year-on-year. Net income excluding special items was $179 million, up 2 per cent Y-o-Y. However, Novelis’ full year net income attributable to common shareholder and net income from continuing operations edged a year-on-year rise of 9 per cent to $600 million. Net income excluding...
Switzerland-based GF Casting Solutions has unveiled plans to invest over $184 million in a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia. This announcement marks the third major development in Augusta-Richmond County within the past fortnight, following Syensqo and StandardAero. The new facility, situated at the Augusta Corporate Park, will specialise in producing cast aluminium parts, with a specific emphasis on large structural components crucial to the automotive sector. Carlos Vasto, the president of GF Casting Solutions, appreciated the long-term vision behind the project, stating: “Building a High-Pressure Die Casting Facility is a very long-term investment. The new facility will complete our footprint to become truly global in the e-mobility market. We are looking forward...
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd’s extrusion plant in China has reportedly started supplying aluminium battery casings and car bumpers to vehicle manufacturers in the mainland. The news came after Tan Sri Koon Poh Keong, Press Metal’s chief executive officer, announced it officially. He also announced that Press Metal’s extrusion plant in Nilai, a city located in Seremban District, Malaysia, completed the construction of a 30,000-tonne photovoltaic components extrusion line, which will exclusively manufacture solar panel frames and mounting extrusions to support solar power sector. The move into manufacturing extrusions for the solar power sector reflects Press Metal’s focus on sustainability. Press Metal’s commitment to sustainability is also represented by its ASI certifications for...
