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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The workshop for the aluminium alloy strip 2# production line for automobiles at Chinalco Ruimin has been completed. The goal is to commence production by the end of August. This includes installing the steel structure and heating area of the gas-electric furnace and 80 per cent completion of the installation of auxiliary equipment. Additionally, the cable bridge operation has been finished. The following steps involve the full rollout of electrical cabinet installation and cable laying. Chinalco Ruimin New Energy Automobile has also initiated constructing a special air cushion continuous heat treatment line project for aluminium alloy materials at its Lanyuan Factory. The 1# automobile plate production line began operations in 2020 and is currently in full swing. The company has expanded...
Recently, Southwest Aluminum's Melting and Casting Plant achieved a significant milestone with the successful trial production of a large-scale new aluminium alloy square ingot. This accomplishment marks a pivotal step forward, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming rolling research of this innovative product. About the newly developed alloy The newly developed alloy boasts a range of benefits, including lightweight properties, high strength, excellent tensile characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. It represents a cutting-edge, high-toughness aluminium alloy material resulting from a collaborative effort between a domestic scientific research institution and Southwest Aluminum. However, the alloy presented formidable challenges during the melting and casting processes, including...
Welcome to AL Circle’s 22 nd edition of e-Magazine, “Aluminium Castings Industry: Focus 2024” , a publication dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights within the dynamic realm of aluminium casting sector. As the global economy continues to evolve, the demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials has never been higher. In this landscape, aluminium stands out as a versatile metal that plays a pivotal role in various industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction and electronics. Within the aluminium sector, casting processes represent a cornerstone, enabling the creation of intricate components with exceptional precision and efficiency. In this edition of "Aluminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024," we embark on a journey to uncover the...
Chinalco Aluminum Foil and Longxi Aluminum Foil recently bagged the prestigious "Excellent Innovative Enterprise" title for 2023 in Dingxi City. A significant gathering was held on March 4th to boost the robust development of industry, science, and technology and the high-quality advancement of the private economy. During the event, commendations were awarded to outstanding groups and individuals who contributed significantly to advancing science, technology, and industry. In 2023, Longxi Aluminum Foil diligently studied and implemented Socialist Thought with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era. Steps taken for the evaluation The company practically conducted thorough theme education, conscientiously adhering to a series of directives regarding scientific and technological innovation...
The downstream segment of the aluminium industry plays a crucial role in processing and utilizing aluminium, a versatile and lightweight metal highly esteemed for its wide applications. This sector serves vital roles in numerous automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, and electrical industries. Its growth is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the increasing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and eco-friendly materials in modern manufacturing. The downstream aluminium segment witnessed a lot of significant events this week. Based on Rakuten Trade's analysis, P.A. Resources Bhd, Malaysia's leading aluminium extrusion and fabrication firm, is set for continuous earnings growth in the upcoming years. This expansion is anticipated to be driven by multiple factors, such...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the operating rate of leading domestic aluminium downstream processing companies increased by 3.2 percentage points week-over-week to 60.2 per cent last week. However, annually, the operating rate fell by 2.8 percentage points. The W-o-W increase could be attributed to the recommencement of production and operations of downstream aluminium processing companies after the Chinese New Year Holiday. The secondary aluminium alloy operating rate also saw a significant rebound during the week, leading the production of large plants to pre-holiday levels. The industrial extrusion sector also resumed production but construction extrusion sector continued to remain in the traditional off-season. However, orders in both the secondary aluminium alloy sector...
Japan has a well-established aluminium casting industry with a long history of producing high-quality aluminium products for various sectors, including automotive, electronics, construction, and aerospace. Aluminium as a metal has been a key player in Japan's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to the country's economy. The automotive sector is one of Japan's largest consumers of aluminium castings. Aluminium parts are used extensively in vehicle manufacturing due to their lightweight properties, contributing to fuel efficiency and overall performance. Components such as engine blocks, transmission cases, cylinder heads, and suspension parts are commonly made using aluminium casting. Japan – 4th largest automotive market Japan is the world's fourth-largest automotive market ,...
On Tuesday, March 5, the US Department of Commerce announced the implementation of preliminary countervailing duties on aluminium extrusion imports from China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey, claiming to protect the business of domestic extrusion manufacturers. For each country, the Department of Commerce has levied different duties depending on the category of products they offer. For instance, the duty rate for China ranges between 15.41 per cent and 169.66 per cent, for Indonesia ranges between 6.69 per cent and 43.56 per cent, for Mexico between 1.68 per cent and 77.8 per cent, and for Turkey between 1.45 per cent and 147.53 per cent. The US DOC has imposed the preliminary countervailing duties following the petition signed by the US Aluminum Extruders Coalition and the United Steel,...
According to an analysis conducted by Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's top aluminium extrusion and fabrication company, P.A. Resources Bhd, is poised for sustained earnings expansion over the next several years. This growth trajectory is expected to be fuelled by various factors, including a significant RM1.08 billion contract obtained from First Solar, the imminent completion of a new plant that will substantially increase the group's extrusion capacity, enabling greater customer and product variety, as well as the possibility of enhanced margins through operational streamlining. Rakuten Trade is Malaysia's first online equities broker offering innovative digital investment opportunities to investors. The company has recently successfully expanded its extrusion capacity from 2,600 to 3,200...
FIMIGroup has proudly unveiled its latest acquisition, FRANCI Spa, an esteemed Italian company with roots dating back to 1955. Renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing moulds and equipment for the automotive sector, FRANCI Spa also excels in producing mechanical components for industrial and hydroelectric power plants alongside specialized mechanical processes. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for FIMIGroup, positioning it at the forefront of innovation and expansion in multiple key sectors. Franci specialises in providing die sets and associated services for the metal sheet cold-forming market. Its primary clientele comes from the automotive sector, and necessitating bespoke die sets tailored to each new car model's specifications and...
The e-Magazine " ALuminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024 " by AL Circle delves into the development of technology in the aluminium casting sector, shaping production methods, operational strategies, and overall industry standards. Digital transformation is one of the most trending words in the business community since 2020, and we generally get different explanations when asked about it by different people in different industries. Whenever there is a thought or a discussion on Industrial Automation, the work or framework of Industry 4.0 is the buzzword. Digitalisation or digital transformation is a journey with far-reaching timelines and results on the bottom line rather than being a project. Thus, the originators or the architects of the digital transformation journey must consider the...
Located in Nuremberg, Germany, with a rich heritage spanning over 150 years, Graphite COVA stands out as a leading global carbon and graphite manufacturer. Our commitment to quality is evident through our ISO 9001:2015 certification. As a premier manufacturer of carbon and graphite materials, we cater to a diverse clientele worldwide. We provide high-quality feedstock and parent materials to numerous graphite machine shops, empowering them to craft precision components according to their specifications. In addition to supplying raw materials, Graphite COVA boasts its state-of-the-art graphite machine shop. Here, we produce meticulously crafted components tailored directly to end customers' requirements, ensuring adherence to their precise designs. Our specialization in products for the...
Hycast, a technology company committed to delivering sustainable and safe casthouse solutions. We claim and endeavour to be the best at what we do. Our technology enables the production of aluminium products of superior quality through fully automated casting lines for Billet and Slab, including our unique drain-free melt treatment units. For our customers, this means a safe casthouse, sustainable solutions, increased value creation and competitive market advantages. Now, we are proud to present Hycast Insight, which will revolutionise the way operators monitor the product during a cast. The in-house developed camera solution located underneath the casting table will patrol back and forth between the rows of billets, removing the need for operators to manually check the cast on the...
Depending on the type of aluminium alloy to cast, automatic casting machines should be equipped with a precise and powerful metal-level control system. The filling phase of the mould is challenging because we are faced with harsh conditions, mainly due to the presence of flames and smoke that can disturb the metal level measurement system. The use of an inductive measuring system overcomes those problems. However, their measurement range is relatively small, usually about 40 mm. Consequently, the mould must be filled without regulation and with the plugs fixed open. If, for any reason, the filling speeds of the moulds vary too much, the cast must be aborted to ensure safety. This happens when the delay between the first and last mould reaching the desired level is too long. The solution...
Assan Alüminyum, a leading manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminium, is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving sustainable growth. As part of this commitment, the company has embarked on a multi-year investment program, supported by a $90 million green loan from IFC (International Finance Corporation). A subsidiary of the Kibar Group, Assan Alüminyum plans to implement a series of sustainable technologies to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility. About the investment program The investment program includes the installation of a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient cold rolling line alongside new continuous casting lines and upgraded filtration systems for both new and existing operations. These investments are designed to modernize production processes, increase...
Introduction The need to measure dissolved hydrogen in aluminium alloys has never been greater as the quality specifications demanded by end-users continue to increase. Methods of measuring hydrogen have been commercially available for many years, but the performance of these methods has generally not kept pace with industry requirements for fast, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective measurements in real-time. In addition, these methods do not readily lend themselves to the ever-increasing demands for automation and traceability through the integration of measured hydrogen results into existing computerised customer quality assurance systems. EMC Limited has developed a new hydrogen determination method, Hycal TM , based on an electrochemical sensor that fulfils all the current industry...
The DC casting method, a well-known casting technology for 50 years, involves feeding molten aluminium into a mould. This molten metal is subsequently subjected to cooling through the application of water strategically directed towards the inner wall of a graphite ring. Over time, the DC technology has undergone enhancements, incorporating an oil and gas/air system featuring a porous graphite mechanism for the initial cooling zone, while water serves as the secondary cooling medium. For DC casting, the primary objective is the meticulous creation of an exceptionally thin shell or segregation zone on the billet's surface. The overarching goal is to achieve this without inducing cracks and to produce a structurally uniform grain structure. This process underscores the pursuit of an optimal...
The future of B2B is on online marketplaces. Now, I know what you are thinking, the world started digital long years ago, but the reality is B2B suppliers have been hesitant to get onboard on these online marketplaces. Understandably so, they think there is a need for an investment and a significant change in process, and ROI may not be as certain as we would like, but we are at a tipping point in our industry. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into AL Biz today ! The world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain. Connecting buyers and sellers through enquiries against listed products and business leads are the primary features of AL Biz. It is driven by the mission to create robust supply chains through increased...
