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 downstream aluminium industry has created many notable headlines this week, from the retirement news of Capral Aluminium Chairman Rex Wood-Ward to UK TRA's reconsideration of anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium extrusions to many more. According to a report on February 28, Capral Aluminium Chairman Rex Wood-Ward announced that he would take his retirement at the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2024. Mr Wood-Ward will depart the board after 15+ years of association with Capral Aluminium. He joined the company in 2008 as a non-executive Director and became Chairman in 2010. To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/capral-aluminium-chairman-rex-wood-ward-will-take-his-farewell-on-may-8-2024-109043 The UK Trade Remedies announced this week that it...
In February 2024, Japan's factory activity experienced its most rapid decline over three years due to diminishing demand. The preliminary Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) from au Jibun Bank dropped to 47.2, down from January's 48.0, signalling ongoing contraction in private sector business operations. February marked the ninth consecutive decline in business activity , representing the most significant contraction since August 2020, as reported by au Jibun Bank. The manufacturing sector in the country experienced ongoing deterioration in operating conditions throughout the month. au Jibun Bank stated, "Both output and new orders fell at sharper rates, amid reports of deteriorating demand conditions in both domestic and international markets." In response to the...
China-based Zhongchuang Co., Ltd. achieved a significant milestone by creating a domestically leading 10-tonne-class hard aluminium alloy ultra-thick plate, boasting its most comprehensive and highest strength. This forged plate, with dimensions of 4215x3040x270mm, underwent four consecutive firings to achieve its final form. Notably, it features a large, smooth surface free from folding or cracking. This achievement is a new record in China for producing large-tonnage, wide-width forged plates. Currently, the forged plate is undergoing heat treatment and machining processes. It is slated for delivery to the customer in March, meeting the urgent supply needs for a critical new product type after passing performance tests and inspections. The company's research institute, casting plant,...
A leading manufacturer of jet engines, known for its dedication to enhancing manufacturing capabilities, has announced plans to integrate two state-of-the-art Vapor Phase Aluminizing (VPA) coating furnaces from G-M Enterprises, a Nitrex company, in the first half of 2024. This strategic move signifies a significant advancement in aerospace manufacturing and underscores the enduring partnership between the two entities. Over time, the customer has consistently relied on Nitrex vacuum furnaces across multiple locations. The newly acquired VPA furnaces are designed for high capacity and low maintenance, featuring automated retorts with moving bases and a fixed heat chamber to optimise operational efficiency. With each retort securely sealed to the moving bases, the furnaces can concurrently...
Hydro and NKT have forged a strategic partnership to create an exceptional, low-carbon aluminium power cable value chain to support the growth of Europe's renewable energy grid. The two companies will work closely together on research and development initiatives and product innovations over the next decade leading to 2030. What the partnership holds Together, they will pioneer new frontiers in aluminium wire rod applications, aiming to significantly reduce carbon footprints without compromising on the impeccable quality they are known for. These cutting-edge projects will traverse the realms of primary and recycled aluminium sources, ushering in a greener era for the energy landscape of tomorrow. Despite the swift expansion of renewable energy sources, the looming challenge of outdated...
On February 22, 2024, POSCO Future M Co., a leading supplier of battery materials, commenced construction on its fifth cathode materials plant in Gwangyang, South Korea. This move aims to establish the complex in South Jeolla Province as the largest manufacturing cluster for cathode materials globally in terms of capacity. The new facility is projected to manufacture 52,500 tonnes of cathode materials annually, tailored for nickel, cobalt, and aluminium (NCA) batteries commonly used in electric vehicles. This production capacity will adequately power approximately 580,000 EVs with 60 kilowatt-hour batteries. Notably, these cathode materials will be exclusively provided to Samsung SDI Co. The South Korean company announced that upon its scheduled completion by April 2025, it will enhance...
According to a report on February 28, Capral Aluminium Chairman Rex Wood-Ward will retire from the board at the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2024. The news came after Mr Wood-Ward announced his retirement, telling Australia's leading publication, Trailer Magazine, that he enjoyed his time immensely at Capral. "I've really enjoyed working and watching management take control of the business, while doing intelligent, game-changing things for it. They've really turned the business around, and we've built a solid base going forward," said Mr Rex. He also said that Capral is in a powerful position and will continue to grow. He added, "The Board and management are totally aligned with a very clear vision of where we're going." Mr Wood-Ward joined Capral in 2008...
On Tuesday, February 27, The UK Trade Remedies Authority announced that it reconsidered decisions concerning anti-dumping measures on aluminium extrusion imports from China. Of the two decisions, one is related to the recommendation of anti-dumping measures on certain Chinese aluminium extrusions, and the other is the final determination of whether to include large aluminium extrusions under the duties. The authority initiated reconsideration after receiving an application from a UK producer, which suggested that duties imposed are not up to the mark considering the injuries caused to domestic businesses and that the large extrusions should not have escaped the measures. During the anti-dumping investigation, the UK Trade Remedies Authority found that Chinese aluminium extrusion dumps put...
On Tuesday, February 27, Hind Aluminium Industries Limited announced its consolidated quarterly results (October 1-December 31, 2023), explaining an in-depth comparison with the previous quarter and year. Hind Aluminium revealed its net sales in Q3 FY2023-24 stood at INR 0.14 crore, down 48.15 per cent from INR 0.27 crore during the corresponding period of the previous year. On a quarter-on-quarter calculation, the fall was more intense compared to the net sales of INR 0.48 crore in Q2 FY2024 . However, despite the fall in net sales, the company’s net profit skyrocketed by 204.98 per cent year-on-year from INR 2.01 crore to INR 6.13 crore in the third quarter of the ongoing financial year. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the net profit increased by 60.05 per cent from INR 3.83 crore....
Pennsylvania, the fifth-most populous state in the United States, is reportedly facing economic distress due to inflation and unemployment. Strained global supply chains, labour shortages, and historic inflation outpacing income have been causing hurdles for the past few years. Role of aluminium & steel tariffs To top them off, the tariffs on aluminium and steel imports levied during the reign of US President Donald Trump under the guise of national security have caused bruises to end-use product manufacturers, given that Pennsylvania has robust product sectors heavily dependent on aluminium and steel as inputs. From farming equipment to auto parts, aluminium plays a significant role in their production. Many believe that federally imposed Section 232 tariffs on aluminium and steel have...
Two prominent East Asian nations, the world's top economies, are leading in the steel industry. Now, from the cross border, two steel giants are poised to make significant investments in the aluminium sector. Kobe Steel, the third-largest steelmaker in Japan, and China Baowu Steel Group, a global leader in steel production, are joining hands to establish a pioneering joint venture. This partnership aims to capitalise on the booming demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China by introducing cutting-edge lightweight aluminium panels . This strategic collaboration highlights the evolving trade dynamics between Japan and China and addresses international considerations and environmental imperatives, marking a significant advancement in the market. Collaborative partnership in the electric...
The continuous innovation in downstream aluminium processing technologies enhances product quality, efficiency, and versatility. Countries investing in research and development within this sector gain a competitive edge in international trade by offering high-quality products with improved characteristics. Nations like China, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and many others with a robust downstream aluminium industry can export value-added products, contributing positively to their trade balance. Conversely, countries heavily reliant on importing downstream aluminium products may need a competitive domestic industry to avoid trade deficits. The most recent industry report from AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024 " mini version," provides comprehensive...
Aluminium, often hailed as the unsung hero of modern materials, holds a pivotal role in shaping our world sustainably. Its lightweight yet robust nature makes it indispensable across various industries, from aerospace to automotive, construction to electronics. Beyond its versatility, aluminium's environmental credentials truly shine. As the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, its extraction and recycling processes offer a beacon of sustainability. With the ability to be recycled infinitely without loss of quality, aluminium stands as a champion of circular economy principles, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This metal empowers innovation and progress and embodies a profound commitment to a greener, more responsible future. In the...
In 2023, Lizhong Group achieved significant financial milestones, with total revenue of RMB 2,367.9 million, marking a notable increase of 10.80 per cent over the previous year. The net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies, excluding equity incentive expenses, stood at RMB 710.45 million, reflecting a robust growth of 15.63 per cent Y-o-Y. Furthermore, the net profit attributable to listed shareholders soared to RMB 602.48 million, a remarkable surge of 22.35 per cent over the same period last year. Several factors propelled the company's impressive performance during the reporting period. The recovery of the downstream automobile industry chain and the continuous surge in demand for new energy and high-end products contributed significantly to Lizhong Group's success....
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, an American aluminium producer specialising in semi-fabricated products, has announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for FY2023, whereby it has declared a stellar performance under the leadership of CEO Keith Harvey and CFO Neil West. The company’s financial results showcase the resilience and strategic insight that propelled an improvement even amid inflation and market destocking. In the fourth quarter, which ended December 31, 2023, Kaiser Aluminum yielded net sales of $722 million and revenue of $361 million. Although the net sales registered a year-on-year drop of 6.96 per cent from $776 million, revenue grew by 1.40 per cent from $356 million. In the full year, Kaiser’s net sales derived at $3.09 million, down by 9.91 per cent from $3.43...
Australia's largest extruder and distributor of industry-leading aluminium products, Capral, achieved full-year underlying earnings in 2023 that matched the previous year's record, surpassing guidance expectations. This accomplishment was propelled by the company's diversified industry presence and robust sales performance, particularly notable in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors during the year's first half. Capral exhibited resilience in its financial performance despite facing challenges such as higher interest rates and ongoing inflationary pressures, as Managing Director Tony Dragicevich stated. The company reported underlying earnings before tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $62.5 million for the year, a slight increase from the previous year's $62.2...
The Chhattisgarh government is determined to revive an aluminium park proposal, initially submitted in 2021, to support small-scale industries in Korba. About 140 hectares of land were required to develop the Park, but the plan was put on hold for the past few years. Recently, the newly-elected Korba legislator, Lakhanlal Dewangan, has reportedly taken the initiative to revive the plan, following which the state government has inked an agreement with Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to supply primary aluminium to small industries at a subsidised rate. The plan is to allow small-scale industries to install their plants in the Park to produce aluminium products using primary metal from BALCO. “An initial provision of INR 5 crore has been made in the budget proposal of the industry...
On February 22, the first big export consignment, consisting of aluminium coils from Southwest Aluminium (Group) Co., Ltd., reportedly embarked on a journey from the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Multimodal Transport Demonstration Base to the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico. The consignment comprised 31 standard containers containing 620 tonnes of aluminium coils worth RMB 13 million ($1.8 billion). The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Multimodal Transport Demonstration Base, operational since 2022, is a significant outcome of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI). It focuses on improving warehousing and freight forwarding, with the goal of establishing a global multimodal transportation network. The Port of Manzanillo is one of Mexico's busiest...
