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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Economic research firm John Dunham and Associates has released its latest survey report, providing fascinating information about the market size and employment of the United States present aluminium industry. The study says the US aluminium industry directly employs more than 164,000 workers and contributes $92 billion in direct economic output. When indirect economic output is considered, the industry supports nearly 700,000 American jobs and generates $228 billion – nearly 1 per cent of the US GDP. These figures suggest the aluminium industry plays a crucial role in the US economy, providing vast employment opportunities. The particular aluminium sectors that create record employment in the US are recycling and semi-finished, especially sheet & plate. However, the closure of primary...
AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian aluminium sector, announced its first quarter 2024 results, reporting an improvement in earnings compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. But compared to the same period last year, AMAG’s earnings in Q1 2024 saw a downtrend due to lower shipment volumes and aluminium prices. The company reported its Q1 revenue at EUR 335.8 million, down by 17.05 per cent from EUR 404.8 million a year ago. EBITDA was EUR 42.4 million, up from the previous quarter but down by 30.26 per cent from EUR 60.8 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. The company’s net income after taxes was EUR 13.3 million, also down by 50.37 per cent Y-o-Y from EUR 26.8 million tonnes. But amid the depleted Y-o-Y earnings, AMAG’s cash flow from...
Vedanta Aluminium, India's leading aluminium producer, recently hosted AutoEdge 2024, a pivotal industry conclave focusing on the automotive sector, in New Delhi. Aluminium, pivotal for modern transportation, has emerged as a crucial raw material in automotive manufacturing. The event showcased expert-led sessions outlining the sector's future trajectory and aluminium's integral role in its evolution. It served as a platform for forging new collaborations and exploring innovative avenues. About the event Commenting on the event, Mr John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, "We offer our customers in the automotive industry an unmatched combination of advantages: global expertise, cutting-edge technology, customised alloys, ease of doing business, a reliable supply chain and most...
European aluminium foil demand experienced a slower trend through 2023 than in 2022, resulting in a double-digit fall in the year's final quarter, according to the figures just released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). The entire 2023 reflected a unique circumstance of high stock levels and weak demand for aluminium as high prices and interest rates forced end-consumers to limit their metal purchase. It directly affected foil in packaging and household goods in particular. According to EAFA survey, sluggish demand for European foil led to a 14.6 per cent year-on-year decline in shipments from 973,000 tonnes in 2022 to 831,700 tonnes in 2023. Thinner gauges, primarily used for flexible packaging and household foils, were neither left untouched by the sluggish market and...
Established in 2018, Hasten Extrusions Pvt. Ltd., a premier manufacturer renowned for excellence in aluminium extruded sections, has been successfully onboarded by AL Biz, one of the world's first B2B markets for the global aluminium sector. AL Biz is a pioneering worldwide platform that facilitates transactions between several buyers and sellers operating within the aluminium value chain. The organisation's primary function is to simplify the connection between customers and merchants via searches conducted on listed items and business prospects. About Hasten Extrusions Nestled in Khandiwada Village along the Vadodara-Halol expressway, merely 35 km from the bustling city of Baroda/Vadodara in Gujarat, Hasten Extrusions has two cutting-edge extrusion presses boasting capacities of 1100...
Dr Sitaram Jindal, an esteemed visionary in philanthropy and healthcare, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award by the President of India at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This event, attended by the Prime Minister and esteemed dignitaries, marked a significant recognition of Dr. Jindal's outstanding contributions to society. Born on September 12, 1932, in the tranquil village of Nalwa, Haryana, Dr. Sitaram Jindal's life journey is profoundly inspirational. Beyond his entrepreneurial prowess as the founder and Chairman of Jindal Aluminium Limited (JAL), India's largest aluminium extrusion manufacturer, his vision transcends mere business. Dr Jindal has garnered admiration from esteemed figures, including former Prime Ministers like Atal Bihari Vajpayee,...
Alufinish, headquartered in Andernach, Germany, and Columbia Chemical, based in Brunswick, Ohio, are uniting their strengths to revolutionise the sales and service capacities in the U.S. market. This strategic collaboration is set to offer a unique blend of products and services, catering to a broader clientele, and setting new standards in the industry. Together, the two companies, each a leader in their respective fields, will provide integrated solutions for the surface treatment of aluminium alloys. From pre-treatment to anodising and coating processes, this partnership guarantees a comprehensive and expert approach to meet the diverse needs of customers in the aluminium industry. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovation and excellence. By combining...
Equispheres, a leading provider of tailored aluminium powders for Additive Manufacturing, has successfully concluded its Series B financing, securing a substantial $14.6 million (CA $20 million) in funding. This significant milestone, with Martinrea International Inc. as the lead investor, underscores Equispheres' growth trajectory and potential for further expansion. With Martinrea and several new institutional investors on board, the ongoing financing, set to continue until June 30, 2024, is strategically earmarked for key initiatives. These include the deployment of multiple new reactors throughout 2024, a move aimed at fortifying support for existing production programs and ensuring a steady growth trajectory for Equispheres. "The potential of Additive Manufacturing to transform...
Hydro Extrusions recently bolstered its extrusion capabilities in Rackwitz, Germany, with the introduction of a third extrusion press line, officially operational in late 2023. This €11 million initiative encompasses the installation of a cutting-edge 22 MN, 8-inch upcycled extrusion press, complemented by an energy-efficient aging oven. This strategic investment underscores Hydro's commitment to the strong German market. The newly integrated P22 extrusion press line significantly augments production capacity for superior-quality intricate extruded profiles. This enhancement empowers the Rackwitz facility to effectively cater to escalating demand across construction, transportation, and general mechanical engineering sectors. Furthermore, deploying this state-of-the-art line underscores...
Ducab Metals Business (DMB) has made a vital effort forward in its expansion strategy with the acquisition of GIC Magnet, a move aimed at broadening its product range and global footprint. This strategic move aligns with DMB's vision to diversify its offerings and penetrate international markets, bolstering its position as a key player in the industry. The acquisition of GIC Magnet augments DMB's downstream product portfolio with a diverse range of industry verticals, including hardware and transport sectors. This strategic synergy positions DMB to efficiently serve the emerging market demands and solidify its presence globally. DMB enhances its product line with the acquisition of GIC Magnet, expanding its offerings in copper and aluminium strips for key sectors like automobiles,...
In a bold move to redefine the future of electric vehicles (EVs), Nissan Motor announces its strategic venture into solid-state battery production, poised to revolutionise the automotive industry. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and aluminium casting prowess, Nissan aims to outpace rivals and spearhead a new era of sustainable mobility. With the promise of faster charging and extended lifespan, solid-state batteries represent a monumental leap forward in green energy solutions. The integration of aluminium casting machines underlines Nissan's commitment to efficiency and cost reduction, paving the way for a greener automotive landscape. By leveraging aluminium casting techniques, Nissan aims to streamline production processes, driving down costs while enhancing structural integrity....
As released by the company on its website, Kolkata-headquartered Ramkrishna Forgings Limited has received approval to supply powertrain components to the USA’s largest electric passenger vehicle producer. The company's announcement refrains from disclosing the vehicle manufacturer's name, although sources hint that it might be Tesla. This announcement coincides with tech billionaire Elon Musk's upcoming visit to India, where he is set to meet with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This landmark approval signifies the Company's position in the electric passenger vehicle segment, with a strong emphasis on powertrain components. The approval follows the showcasing of a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge solutions, demonstrating the Company’s expertise and commitment to delivering...
Gansu Dongxing Jiayu New Materials Co., Ltd. has achieved an appreciable marker in the realm of aluminium production. Their casting and rolling plant recently announced a significant breakthrough in the mass production of 1235F double zero foil. This advancement marks a pivotal moment in the company's journey towards enhancing the quality and efficiency of aluminium manufacturing processes. In response to challenges encountered during the production of 1235F alloy double zero foil, Gansu Dongxing Jiayu embarked on a comprehensive research and development initiative. The focus was on optimising various facets of the casting and rolling process to mitigate issues related to grain unevenness and ensure superior mechanical properties of aluminium sheets and strips. Key Areas of Innovation: 1....
Steel Strips Wheels (SSWL) secured a pivotal agreement to supply aluminium wheels to a prominent passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturer in India. This landmark deal not only underscores SSWL's commitment to pushing boundaries but also signifies a significant leap into the realm of alloy wheels, amplifying its market presence and fortifying customer relationships. Recognised as a strategic partner by the OEM, SSWL is poised to supply both steel and aluminium wheels, reflecting its versatile manufacturing capabilities. This strategic alignment not only enhances SSWL's foothold in the automotive landscape but also propels it as a frontrunner in the dynamic alloy wheel segment. Pioneering innovation The agreement heralds a strategic pivot towards the burgeoning alloy wheel market, where SSWL...
BMW Group Plant Landshut is embarking on a significant expansion project. With a keen eye on the burgeoning electric vehicle market, the renowned automotive giant is injecting an additional €200 million into its German factory, pushing the total investment since 2020 to approximately €1 billion. A substantial portion of this investment, around €500 million, is earmarked for the expansion of the plant's facilities dedicated to electric mobility. This expansion is poised to augment the annual production capacity for fifth-generation and sixth-generation aluminium housings by an impressive 30 per cent. This surge in capacity promises to bolster the production prowess of the plant, positioning it as a pivotal player in BMW's quest for electrification dominance. Pioneering technologies in...
Dudley's Aluminium, a leading Welsh fabricator renowned for its exceptional reputation in the industry, has recently announced the appointment of Pablo Shorney as its new Finance Director. With a decade of experience supporting SMEs across south Wales and southwest England, Pablo brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Pablo, a qualified chartered accountant, joined Dudley's Aluminium from Lexington Corporate Finance, where he spent the last five years advising SMEs on financial and commercial strategies for growth. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment in Dudley's growth strategy, marking a significant step forward for the company. Commenting on his appointment, Pablo expressed his enthusiasm , stating : "I'm thrilled to be joining Dudley's as Finance Director at an exciting...
On April 17, 2024, Constellium announced that its Issoire facility in France received the ‘Accredited Supplier’ award from Airbus, the highest recognition in the Airbus Supply Chain & Quality Improvement (SQIP) program. Constellium is a global leader in developing and manufacturing high-value-added aluminium products and solutions and in aluminium recycling. Constellium has been honoured with its inaugural receipt of this award, recognising exceptional achievements in product quality, delivery efficiency, project enhancements, seamless adaptation to production scaling, and robust industrial expertise. Philippe Hoffmann, the President of the Aerospace and Transportation business unit at Constellium, said, “Being recognised by Airbus is an immense honour, as our team continuously strives to...
HAIMK, a subsidiary of LS Materials, has commenced the construction of an aluminium parts plant dedicated to electric vehicles in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. As per LS Materials, the facility is set to initiate mass production of battery cases by the first quarter of next year, boasting an annual capacity sufficient for 300,000 EVs. These battery cases are crafted from high-strength aluminium, offering robust protection against external impacts without additional steel materials. LS Materials has announced that HAIMK, a joint venture between LS Materials and Austria's Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI), will invest 75 billion won to construct a 16,305-square-meter facility within the Gumi National Industrial Complex. "Our products will be the only kind in Korea that meet automakers'...
