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...
Grow with
AL Circle
In a recent development, Greek aluminium products manufacturer Aluminco is set to vote on a proposal to squeeze out minorities at its Serbian unit, Aluminco Sar. The extraordinary shareholders' meeting, scheduled for February 26, will address this significant move by Aluminco. Aluminco, a pioneer in the aluminium industry, is making waves with its proposal to control 100% of its Serbian unit, Aluminco Sar. This strategic decision is crucial for the company's trajectory, signalling its commitment to consolidation and growth. Aluminco, holding a commanding 90.1% stake in Aluminco Sar, is pushing forward to acquire the remaining 9.9% owned by local individual Milorad Paunovic. The move reflects Aluminco's strategic vision for full control over its Serbian operations. Chronology of Aluminco –...
In December, Italian industrial production saw a predictable recovery, with a detailed analysis suggesting that energy-intensive sectors might be on the verge of a turnaround. However, disruptions in the Suez Canal and subdued demand are currently constraining the potential for a significant increase in production during the first quarter. Following a downwardly revised 1.3 per cent contraction in November 2023, Italian seasonally adjusted industrial production saw a rebound of 1.1 per cent month-on-month in December 2023, slightly surpassing anticipated figures. Throughout 2023, the average production experienced a 2.5 per cent decline compared to the previous year. As reported by ING Think economic and financial analysis in December 2024, every major industry category, except for...
LG Chem has inked a colossal cathode material supply contract with General Motors (GM), setting the stage for a formidable partnership in the North American market. Valued at an impressive 25 trillion won, this agreement, announced on Feb. 7, is poised to reshape the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) production. LG Chem unveiled the monumental deal at the LG Twin Towers in Seoul, solidifying its commitment to supply GM with cathode materials worth a staggering 24.75 trillion won until 2035. The scale of this collaboration is immense, with an anticipated exchange of over 500,000 tons of cathode materials, sufficient to power approximately 5 million high-performance electric vehicles, each capable of covering 500 km on a single charge. LG Chem's strategic vision: Strengthening cooperation...
Alro, a significant player in Europe's aluminium industry, recently invested USD 2.75 million in a cutting-edge electric furnace, supplied by SECO/WARWICK. This move aligns with the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices, replacing three gas-fired furnaces. The new furnace not only enhances efficiency in the heat treatment process within Alro's Wrought Aluminum Division but also underscores their pursuit of greener production. The company declared in a statement: "This state-of-the-art electric furnace will replace three natural gas-fired furnaces to streamline the heat treatment operations within Alro's Wrought Aluminum Division and represents an important step towards achieving the company's goal of becoming a greener producer." The innovative electric furnace not only...
In recent years, the Indian foundry industry has experienced consistent growth, buoyed by rising demand across multiple sectors, including automotive, engineering, energy, and infrastructure. Numerous foundries are embracing modernisation initiatives to enhance production efficiency and promote eco-friendly practices. The significance of automated production processes over manual labour, simulation techniques, digitalisation through software and ERP systems, and 3D printing is on the rise. Simultaneously, environmental considerations related to raw material usage, auxiliary materials, and CO 2 emissions reduction are gaining prominence. Indian foundries increasingly prioritise eco-friendly materials, recycling practices, and waste reduction efforts to minimise their ecological footprint....
The aftermath of Evergrande's collapse has sparked worries about China's property market, potentially leading to reduced demand for raw materials from the region's top metal producer and putting pressure on suppliers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Evergrande Group Evergrande Group, established in 1996, encompasses various sectors, including Evergrande Real Estate, Evergrande New Energy Auto, Evergrande Property Services, and Ocean Flower Island, offering its clientele a comprehensive range of premium services. With a portfolio spanning over 1,300 projects across more than 280 cities in China, Evergrande Real Estate Group is committed to crafting top-tier and economically feasible residential communities. Upholding the ethos of "dedicated service and genuine partnership" for over...
In a disclosure on February 6, 2024, China's Henan Mingtai Aluminium Industrial reported the sale of 106,800 tonnes of aluminium plates along with foil in January. In the same month, the aluminium sheet manufacturer from China produced a total of 110,800 tonnes of the material. Established in 1997 within the industrial hub of Gongyi City, Henan Province, Henan Mingtai Aluminium Industrial Co., Ltd. emerged as a pioneering force in aluminium processing. In 2011, it made its mark on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, proudly bearing the stock code 601677. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, and holistic service offerings, Mingtai is a premier private enterprise in the aluminium sector. Its diverse portfolio spans aluminium deep processing,...
ADDAM GmbH, a specialist in aluminium 3D printing, is reportedly forming a partnership with IMR metal powder technologies GmbH to innovate sustainable solutions for the additive manufacturing sector. This collaboration is expected to revolutionise the delivery of aluminium alloy powders in the additive manufacturing process, ensuring sustainability, process stability, material quality, and operator safety. The new novel delivery system will contain the aluminium alloy powders in a secure and controlled environment, reflecting ADDAM and IMR’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational safety. This partnership will benefit both the parties. While ADDAM will gain access to tailored materials delivered in eco-conscious packaging, aligned with its commitment to...
On Monday, February 5, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association communicated that aluminium product export from China to the European Union, covered by the carbon border tariff, fell 30 per cent Y-o-Y in 2023. The Association showed that China exported 689,000 tonnes of aluminium products under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism target in 2023. The European Union first imposed the carbon border mechanism in October 2023 to stop acquiring polluting foreign products that might hinder its green transition. While the European Union countries will not collect any carbon dioxide emission charges at the border until 2026, importers must report the greenhouse gas emissions of the imported products, including aluminium, cement, and steel. The types of aluminium products China exported...
Shandong Development and Reform Commission recently released the list of key projects in 2024 focusing on green, low-carbon, and high-quality development in the region. A total of 3 projects were selected for the list, which included – high-end lightweight aluminium plate belt project of Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co., LTD., the construction project of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene new material with an annual output of 3,000 tons of Shandong Zhishang Technology Co., LTD. the first phase project of Longkou Nanshan LNG Receiving Station About the projects The first project is the high-end lightweight aluminium plate belt initiative by Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co., Ltd. This project aims to leverage advanced production technology to enhance the supply capacity of crucial aluminium...
The United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports from January to November 2023 totalled 916,000 tonnes, experiencing a year-on-year fall of 33.14 per cent from 1.37 million tonnes, found the US Census Bureau data. In November, the United States imported 74,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars, down by 3,600 tonnes or 4.64 per cent from 77,600 tonnes in October 2023. On an annual basis, the imports plummeted by 41,000 tonnes or 35.65 per cent from 115,000 tonnes. It is to be noted in the above graph that November 2023 was another alternative month to have witnessed a fall in the United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports. Post April 2023, the US imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars experienced a downfall in every alternate month. In May, the...
Evtec Aluminium Limited, a leader in designing and manufacturing complex aluminium castings, has reportedly entered into a supply contract with Jaguar Land Rover. According to the deal, the former will supply automotive components to Jaguar for its new line of electric vehicles. Evtec is a world-class manufacturer of lightweight aluminium parts for electric vehicles and luxury automobiles. For Jaguar, it will be a single-source supplier for key components, generating over $67 million in its auto part sales. Jaguar’s new line of luxury electric vehicles will include a four-door GT model and a luxury sedan that is expected to have a range of over 435 miles and are capable of fast charging 200 miles in about 15 minutes. On signing the contract with Jaguar, Evtec chairman David Roberts said,...
Maaden Rolling Company (MRC), a subsidiary wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), recently forged a three-year supply arrangement with Lucid Motors, a leading electric car manufacturer based in the United States. Alumex PLC, a standout in the realm of aluminium extrusion, commemorated the conclusion of an outstanding 2023 with achievements and successes. On Monday, January 29, Novelis Inc., a global leader in the production of flat-rolled aluminium products and the largest aluminium recycler, disclosed the signing of a fresh agreement with Ardagh Metal Packaging USA Corp. This contract entails Novelis supplying aluminium beverage packaging sheets to the latter. Maaden Rolling Company (MRC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), entered...
In a ground-breaking collaboration, Chongqing University, Baowu Magnesium, and Chongqing Millison Technologies joined forces and inked a visionary agreement. Their collective endeavour aims to establish the China Magnesium and Aluminum Alloy Ultra-Large Castings Research and Development Centre. The official pact was sealed amidst the dynamic ambience of the Automobile Lightweighting Expert Achievement-sharing Event, heralding a new era of innovation and expertise convergence. This initiative aligns with Chongqing's "33618" modern manufacturing industrial cluster system, which places a strong emphasis on three primary industrial clusters: electronic information manufacturing intelligent connected and new energy vehicles advanced materials Additionally, it aims to foster growth in six key...
In a significant stride towards advancing the additive manufacturing landscape, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, Ltd. (TNSC), a prominent industrial gas company based in Tokyo, Japan, has secured the sales rights for Constellium's Aheadd Additive Manufacturing powders. This strategic move aligns with TNSC's commitment to offering cutting-edge products and services in the additive manufacturing industry. Aheadd CP1 stands out as an aluminium-iron-zirconium powder meticulously crafted for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing. Notably, it eliminates volatile elements, rare earths, silicon, or ceramic particle additions. This innovation brings forth a paradigm shift with its exceptional combination of high strength, ductility, thermal/electrical conductivity, and...
The German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall's thriving thermal management division is expanding further, marking a significant milestone by introducing an inventive plug-and-play heat pump solution to be integrated into a hydrogen-powered truck for the first time. The thermal module, already prevalent in battery-powered commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and marine vessels, has achieved a significant breakthrough. Rheinmetall has successfully advanced the integration of this innovative plug-and-play solution into a cutting-edge fuel cell-powered truck, marking a milestone in its adoption within a forward-looking sector. Notably, the order for this advancement comes from a new customer. Delivered fully preassembled and filled with coolant, the heat pumps play a...
Evolution Castings Group, which consists of the Grainger and Worrall group of companies, has recently hired Duncan Eldridge as its new CEO. Eldridge will take up the responsibility of managing the company's day-to-day operations, while Andrew Burn, the Group's current Executive Chairman, will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman. According to Burn, Eldridge's appointment is a crucial step in the company's growth plans. "It reinforces our desire to recruit and retain the very best people in the marketplace," he added. "Duncan's prior experience and knowledge of operating in overseas markets is going to be invaluable to the Group." Eldridge comes with a wealth of experience in international manufacturing and technology businesses. Chronology of Duncan Eldridge’s illustrative...
Lotte Aluminium Materials USA LLC and SMS group have joined forces in a strategic partnership to revolutionise the production of ultra-thin aluminium cathode foils for electric vehicle batteries. This collaboration, anchored in the heart of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA, signifies a pivotal moment in the aluminium industry, poised to meet the surging demand for electric vehicles. The collaboration capitalises on state-of-the-art technologies the SMS group provides, primarily focusing on digitalisation to enhance efficiency, quality, and customisation in the manufacturing process. Key Technological Advancements Lotte's ambitious goal is to produce 36,000 tons of cathode foils annually, responding adeptly to the growing demand in the electric vehicle market. The advanced digitalisation...
