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 establishment of Hindalco's battery foil manufacturing unit in Odisha might be the motivation behind C4V's forging of a contract with one of the largest aluminium manufacturers in India. This partnership will enhance trade relations between the companies, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of coated aluminium foils, battery-grade aluminium foil and other structural parts for Li-ion batteries. Supply agreement analysis The US-based lithium-ion battery technology firm has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with provisions for 2,000 tonnes of battery-grade aluminium foil delivery over an extended period of five years. The document also graphs a strategic discography for the successful advancement of technology and material development collaborations. The entire action would be...
The State Intellectual Property Office has recently issued a notice declaring the identification of a brand new round of national intellectual property demonstration enterprises and advantageous enterprises for the year 2023. As per the review process conducted, Huajian Aluminium has been recognised as one of the "National Intellectual Property Advantageous Enterprises in 2023". This is a significant achievement for the company and is a testament to its commitment towards innovation and intellectual property protection. Moreover, it aims to fulfil the requirements of the "Notice of the State Intellectual Property Office on the demonstration work of building a strong intellectual property country in 2023 for enterprises" (the State Knowledge Office Hanyun Word (2023) No. 572) by enabling...
Lippert Components Manufacturing, a subsidiary of LCI Industries (Lippert), has entered into a strategic alliance with Euramax for Mobility, Europe's leading supplier of aluminium products for recreational vehicles (RVs). This new alliance will result in the formation of a joint venture called Amerimax for Mobility. Lippert and Euramax, with their extensive expertise spanning more than five decades, are collaborating to offer a comprehensive selection of custom aluminium sidewalls and panels to the recreational and transportation OEM markets. This partnership aims to deliver a diverse product catalogue featuring cutting-edge innovations and exceptional customer service, catering to the needs of the recreational vehicle and transportation OEM markets. The product lines of Amerimax will...
The Xinshen Aluminium Technology lightweight phase II project commenced operations on December 8. The total investment for the completion and operation of the project amounts to approximately RMB 200 million. This includes implementing three intelligent production lines, which consist of high-efficiency and energy-saving constant speed forming units, a combined quenching system utilising wind and water mist, a rapid and precise gradient heating furnace, and other equipment. The existing production line and equipment have been upgraded. About Xinshen Aluminium China-based Xinshen Aluminium, established in 2008, is a technologically advanced company specialising in producing high-quality aluminium products. The company is dedicated to conducting independent research and developing novel...
Dallas-based Blackboxstocks Inc., which combines financial technology and social media to provide real-time proprietary analytics for stock and options traders, announced that it has officially agreed to acquire Evtec Aluminium Limited (Evtec). The acquisition is anticipated to be completed during the first quarter of 2024. Evtec provides exclusive essential components for the Electric Vehicle (EV), Hybrid, Performance, and Luxury OEM automotive markets. They supply these parts to brands such as JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover), Aston Martin, Ford, Bentley, and other automotive suppliers, including Dana, American Axle, and Cox Powertrain. About the acquisition Following the merger, Blackbox and Evtec Aluminium common shareholders will control 26.7 per cent and 73.3 per cent of the...
Due to the ongoing persistent real estate crisis, a privately operated aluminium producer, Golden World Innovation Aluminium, located in Guangdong, the southern manufacturing hub of China, has compelled its employees to undergo a five-month leave with reduced salaries. This situation brings attention to the looming unemployment challenges for the world's second-largest economy, as reported by South China Morning Post, the Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper owned by Alibaba Group. In 2023, China's economy needed more expected results across various aspects despite implemented support measures, thereby dampening its prospects. The resultant weakness has exerted pressure on employment, a longstanding priority for China, the world's second-largest economy, to generate sufficient jobs...
Hindalco Industries announced plans to spend INR 800 crore in constructing a battery foil production plant in Sambalpur, Odisha, to enter the rapidly expanding electric car industry. Ball Aerospace was selected to lead a concept study for NASA's planned Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer (CMEx) mission. This mission is expected to provide new insights into how magnetism drives eruptive activity on and around the sun. On December 1st, the Aluminium City Hotel held the feasibility study review conference for Southwest Aluminum's super-large and high-performance aluminium alloy extrusion product line project. The expert panel analysed and evaluated the feasibility study report, and the project passed the expert demonstration assessment. Cosma Casting UK, an aluminium high-pressure vacuum die...
Ball Aerospace has been chosen to oversee a concept study for the Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer (CMEx) mission proposed by NASA. This mission is anticipated to offer fresh perspectives on how magnetism propels eruptive activity on and around the sun. Ball Aerospace has been providing the aviation industry with bespoke air-craft grade aluminium components for a very long time. The scientific research undertaken by CMEx is anticipated to aid the scientific community in enhancing its comprehension of the sun and its influence on space, Earth, and other celestial bodies. The proposed mission concept involves utilizing a near ultraviolet spectropolarimeter as the primary scientific instrument to observe the sun's magnetic field. This observation will be made as the magnetic field evolves...
On Wednesday, December 13, Novelis announced its achievement of securing Performance Standard Certifications by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (AS) for three North American aluminium rolled product manufacturing facilities. The plants, located in Guthrie, Kentucky; Oswego, New York; and Ontario, Canada, remelt and recycle through to cold mill processing to produce a range of rolled aluminium products, primarily for the automotive market. The ASI certifications attest Novelis' responsible manufacturing practices and its strong commitment towards the circular economy and sustainability. In 2022, Novelis obtained ASI Performance Standard Certifications for its Berea plant in Kentucky, Greensboro plant in Georgia, and Warren facility in Ohio. Since 2021, Novelis has been delivering...
China-based manufacturer of aluminium plastic goods, Gansu Hongda Aluminium Profile, made its way into the First List of Provincial "White List" Enterprises with Strong Industries. The Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology Notice on Publishing, the First List of Provincial "White List" Enterprises with Strong Industries, was recently published by the Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. Gansu Hongda Aluminium Profile is known for manufacturing and selling aluminium alloy doors, windows, and other products. Industry is the fundamental support for economic growth, with firms acting as the primary catalyst. Earlier this year, the province implemented a "white list" system for important industrial companies to effectively address...
Increasing attention to climate issues and health and safety topics has drastically changed the types of products and services the market seeks. Emphasising the need for decarbonisation, low emission from the machines and zero-tolerance for accidents are parameters that define the name of the game. In the meantime, higher productivity and increasing competition are additional key factors. Several high-profile customers of Hencon are looking for possibilities to set up a ‘ smart factory’ . With Industry 4.0, cyber-physical production systems have become more wanted than ever before. Hencon has already rolled out several AGV projects (in Europe and the USA). We believe that AGVs will be an inevitable chain in the smart industry of the future. Smart Industry and AGVs The trend towards more...
Cosma Casting UK, an aluminium high-pressure vacuum die casting company, desires to enlarge its factory in Telford by adding a rear extension. The factory operates 24 hours daily with 230 people from Telford Business Park premises. On further expansion, the casting facility will create sixty-two new jobs. Telford & Wrekin Council has already recommended the expansion plans for approval before councilors. The proposed expansion will house two new die-casting units to support manufacturing additional product lines. The company specialises in making large complex parts for the automotive sector. Their end product is that of high-quality alloy castings for automobiles. "The foundry has been operational for many years without impacts on neighbouring properties and it is anticipated that the...
Aluminium China is Asia's premier trade show and B2B platform for the aluminium industry, encompassing its primary application sectors. The event brings together cutting-edge products, innovative technologies, advanced processes, and prospective applications across the entire aluminium value chain. The dedication lies in fostering the industry's sustainable development and broadening business prospects for professionals in the global aluminium sector. The event achieves this through an annual in-person trade fair, informative conferences and forums, business matchmaking sessions, online seminars, international roadshows, and more. Its comprehensive approach ensures a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business growth within the aluminium industry. Shanghai New...
On Tuesday, December 12, Hindalco Industries announced its plan to invest INR 800 crore into building a battery foil manufacturing facility at Sambalpur in Odisha in a bid to tap the fast-growing electric vehicle market. The facility will produce 25,000 tonnes of aluminium foil, the backbone of lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. "Hindalco Industries is investing INR 800 crore to build a new plant near Sambalpur in Odisha that will initially produce 25,000 tonnes of the resilient product which forms the backbone of Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion cells," the statement said. To leave no stone unturned to seize the boosted electric vehicle market, Hindalco also plans to significantly expand its production capacity of fine-quality aluminium foil used in rechargeable batteries. The new battery foil...
Cutting-edge sensor solutions transform the aluminium industry, improving safety, efficiency, and productivity through accurate monitoring and condition-based maintenance. Despite its pivotal role in modern manufacturing, the aluminium industry grapples with significant challenges. These include aligning with global environmental standards, managing high energy costs, and contending with dwindling raw material reserves. As the worldwide demand for aluminium rises, tackling these issues becomes increasingly critical. A primary concern in the industry is worker safety, given the risks associated with high-temperature environments, electrical hazards, machinery, and exposure to harmful gasses. The extreme heat, dust, and magnetic fields in aluminium production necessitate robust sensor...
The feasibility study review meeting for Southwest Aluminum's super-large and high-performance aluminium alloy extrusion product line project was conducted on December 1st at the Aluminium City Hotel. The expert panel assessed and evaluated the project's feasibility study report, and the project successfully cleared the expert demonstration evaluation. Representatives from Chinalco Group, Chinalco high-end production departments, China Colour technology and project divisions, Southwest Aluminum's deputy general manager Yang Lu, deputy chief engineer and other relevant professionals attended the project feasibility evaluation conference. Yang Lu, representing Southwest Aluminium, said that Southwest Aluminium is now in a strategic phase of adjusting its industrial structure and undergoing...
The Russian aluminium giant Rusal has unveiled a groundbreaking AlZn alloy explicitly designed for the automotive industry. The company has collaborated successfully on multiple research and development initiatives with significant global automotive parts suppliers, creating a proprietary AlZn alloy. This innovative alloy is formulated based on the Al-Zn-Mg system and enriched with Fe-Ni for enhanced manufacturability during the casting process. It boasts superior strength characteristics compared to the conventional alloys widely employed in the automotive sector. The high-strength cast alloy opens the door for implementing lightweight designs in critical automotive components, such as wheels and suspension parts. The casting process for the AlZn alloy employs both low-pressure die...
Introduction RIA Cast House Engineering provides precision rail-mounted casthouse-proven charging and skimming equipment for aluminium casthouses worldwide. The design and development of all RiA Machines take reliability, durability, maintenance, and occupational safety into account. RiA has supplied over eighty furnace charging and skimming machines, all rail-mounted and capable of charging up to 30 metric tonnes in less than 90 seconds or skimming a furnace faster than a traditional forklift truck or wheeled furnace tending vehicle, but with more repeatable results and without damaging the refractory lining. Key customers include Hydro, Constellium, Matalco, and many others. Several clients have multiple machines in the same casthouse or across various sites and territories. One client...
