AL Circle Analysis: US scrap imports hit 580kt as China slips 3.2%, who drives aluminium recycling?
Aluminium scrap is no longer a side story in the metal’s market. Rather, aluminium’s next standoff is over scrap. As US imports surge 37 per cent while China’s purchases decline, manufacturers in Europe and India are confronting a common challenge of securing affordable, reliable raw materials. With recycling rates, trade barriers and low-carbon production reshaping market, the global industry faces a critical question: who will control the metal that powers its circular future? Join the fourth edition of the webinar "Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours" by Jorge Dyszel. A 1.1-billion-tonne stockpile: US stocks up, China steps back, India asks for access The US imported 580,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap worth USD 2.07 billion in H1 2026 , with Canada accounting for 63.62...
A should-cost analysis of an aluminium tower furnace in India: Comparing the economics of LPG, PNG, and electric energy sources
In precision non-ferrous casting and high-volume die-casting operations, thermal energy conversion represents one of the largest controllable operating expenses. In modern aluminium foundries, where margins are squeezed by primary metal price fluctuations and stringent customer cost breakdowns, even a modest INR 1–2/kg variance in liquid metal melting cost can translate into tens of lakhs of rupees in annual cost differences. A rigorous, transparent should-cost benchmark is therefore essential for procurement teams, foundry managers and strategic sourcing leaders. This analysis examines a baseline should-cost model for a 1,000 kg/hour aluminium shaft or tower furnace in an industrial foundry. It compares liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), piped natural gas (PNG) and electric energy across...
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Aluminium foil, sheet and can stock shipments increase in US and Canada, powder and paste shipments drop
According to an Aluminum Association report, estimated shipments of Aluminum Foil by U.S. and Canadian producers totaled 87.6 million pounds during March 2016, a rise of 1.7 per cent over the March 2015 total of 86.1 million pounds. Compared to the previous month, shipments increased 10.4 per cent over the February 2016 total of 79.3 million pounds. Year to-date shipments through March 2016 totaled 240.6 million pounds, up 3.9 per cent over the 2015 year-to-date total of 231.5 million pounds. Estimated net shipments of Aluminum Sheet and Plate by U.S. and Canadian producers totaled 735.2 million pounds during March 2016, a rise of 1.8 percent over the March 2015 total of 722.2 million pounds. Compared to the previous month, shipments increased 7.8 percent over the February 2016 total of...
Aluminum Association of Canada reports increase in primary aluminum production in March
The Aluminum Association of Canada reported that primary aluminum production in Canada continued its upward trend by increasing for the tenth consecutive month. Production in March 2016 increased 1.6 percent to an annual rate of 3,202,689 metric tonnes, up 49,145 tonnes over the February 2016 rate of 3,153,544 TPY. Compared to a year ago, production was up 13.9 percent over the March 2015 rate of 2,811,418 TPY. Actual production in March totalled 271,266 metric tonnes. Through the first three months of 2016, production is up 12.1 per cent over the same period in 2015.
New York designer unveils aluminium bottles for Pepsi
Noted New York based designer Karim Rashid has created a set of aluminium bottles for drinks brand Pepsi, one of a series of megabrands that presented in Milan this year. Working in collaboration with parent brand PepsiCo, Rashid has created three aluminium containers for the carbonated soft drinks. The Prestige designs, which will be used for special events hosted and sponsored by the brand, each feature a gently tapered form. Colours and patterns are used to differentiate the brand's Pepsi, Pepsi Light and Pepsi Max varieties. "The (aluminium) bottle that we did, which was a four-year project, is very complex," said Rashid, during a panel discussion organised by Pepsi and chaired by Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs. "The technology to produce it is all new, even just the feeling of...
NCKU researchers invent aluminium bonding wires
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) researchers’ latest invention, of aluminium bonding wires used in semiconductor packaging, is poised to revolutionize the industry by providing a cheaper alternative to gold, silver and copper, materials science professors Hung Fei-yi and Lui Truan-sheng said. Due to their superior conductivity and ductility, gold, silver or copper bond wires are used to make the ball bonds that connect 90 per cent of the world’s LED and IC semiconductor devices to their casing or frames, the researchers said. However, the high prices those metals command make mass production expensive, with gold valued at about NT$2 million (US$61,862) per kilogram, silver at NT$40,000 per kilogram and copper at the much lower, but still pricey, NT$220 per kilogram, they said. In...
B&O Play introduces smallest Bluetooth speaker using aluminium cone mid-woofer
B&O Play has taken the wraps off its smallest Bluetooth speaker to date, adding the BeoPlay A1 to its line-up, which it states provides up to 24 hours portable playtime during everyday use. Fitting “comfortably in the palm of your hand”, the BeoPlay A1 measures in at 5.2” x 1.9” and weighs 600 g – built for life on the go. B&O Play states that a unique, dedicated DSP algorithm with advanced high-slope filtering sees the BeoPlay A1 “create a spacious 360-degree soundscape”, with the speaker sporting a fully active, two-way design using an aluminium cone mid-woofer, a silk dome three-fourth” tweeter and advanced DSP filtering. The aluminium cone mid-woofer employs a neodymium magnetic system and high-peak power amps, with the BeoPlay A1 delivering “a full-range deep bass to as low as 40 hz...
Global automotive lightweight material market to grow at 14% CAGR during 2016 - 2022
According to a recently published market research report, the global automotive lightweight material market (includes components made from downstream aluminium and high-grade aluminium alloy) was estimated at $77.1 billion in 2015, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0 per cent during 2016 - 2022. The factors driving the growth of the global market include growing enforcement by government for environmental regulations, increasing number of passenger vehicles and advancement in technology, along with change in material used for manufacturing. Various manufacturers are forced to operate and adopt the new policy and regulations, as per different legislations worldwide to reduce CO2 emission. OEMs across the globe are pushing their strategies towards more advanced technique and...
Ford recycles enough aluminium to build 30,000 F-150 bodies every month
Ford Motor Co says the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever is also the greenest F-150 – thanks to advanced materials like high-strength, military-grade aluminium alloy and EcoBoost engine technology. The American carmaker recycles as much as 20 million pounds of aluminium stamping scrap per month using the closed-loop system at Dearborn Truck Plant, which builds the F-150. That is the equivalent of more than 30,000 F-150 bodies in the largest configuration – a SuperCrew body including doors, plus hood, tailgate and 6.5-foot cargo box. Opting for aluminium over steel in new automobile construction is the best way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, according to Oak Ridge National Lab. Recycled aluminium avoids 95 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions...
LME Aluminium to hold firm, SMM forecasts
Aluminium on London Metal Exchange will hold firm at USD 1,640-1,670/mt today, SMM forecasts. SHFE 1606 aluminium will challenge resistance at RMB 13,000/mt and move at RMB 12,750-13,050/mt on market bullishness. In China’s spot aluminium market, spot discounts of RMB 0-40/mt are expected over SHFE 1605 aluminium contract.
Aluminium Association of Canada welcomes USW's withdrawal of petition demanding tariff on U.S. imports
The Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC), consisting of Alcoa, Alouette and Rio Tinto, is thrilled with the decision of the United Steelworkers (USW) to withdraw its petition for the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on aluminium imports. "We share the USW's determination to find solutions to the market's structural disruptions. We also believe that the continued support of governments through commercial diplomacy is the best way to ensure the sustainability of North America's aluminium industry," says Jean Simard, President and CEO of the AAC. "We applaud the USW-affiliated unions in Quebec and the Unifor union, and the Canadian and Quebec governments, for their contribution to resolving this crisis. We managed to protect our industry thanks to a shared vision of the issues, the...
Govt of India may recommend provisional safeguard duty on aluminium
Just as provisional safeguard duty was imposed on the import of steel last year, the Government of India is likely to recommend the same for aluminium import as well, reports . Indian aluminium giants like Hindalco, NALCO, BALCO and Vedanta have complained about the incessant dumping from China and Middle East. FY15 saw a rise in imports of the metal to 56 per cent. The government had hiked the import duty from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent in the budget. But the local aluminium companies feel it isn't enough and have asked for a 20 per cent import duty. But the government hasn't given any details on how much relief will be provided to these companies as of yet.
Aluminium long position on LME biggest since Nov 2014: Analysts
Aluminium hit the highest in over eight months on Friday, April 22, but many analysts were wary that prices were stretched and could be due a correction lower with demand still patchy. Strong buying lifted metals in the European afternoon as stops were hit and speculators chased prices higher after they rallied on Thursday, last week, partly on optimism about an economic rebound in top metals consumer China. But many analysts have said underlying supply and demand do not justify the extent of the price gains. "The price increases are exaggerated, so I would expect to see setbacks or corrections in the short term because much of the price rises were driven by greater risk-on sentiment and by speculators," said analyst Daniel Briesemann at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. Three month aluminium...
Noranda announces June 3 deadline for creditors to file claims
Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation has given its creditors until June 3 to file a claim if they want to be paid as the company goes through bankruptcy proceedings. The Jamaican Government is among Noranda’s creditors. It is owed billions of dollars under the bauxite levy and has been trying to recover the money from the company. Noranda’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February was regarded as a move which could frustrate the Jamaican Government’s efforts to recover the sums an arbitration panel had ruled that Noranda was obligated to pay. It is learnt from an advertisement pertaining to this matter that any person or entity who might have a claim which arose before the February 8 petition date must file a proof of claim on or before June 3. According to the...
Aluminium prices rocket higher from oversold levels
Aluminium was quick to correct lower after stalling at $1,605 early in March, dropping to $1,475. The sell-off attracted buying that led to a rebound to $1,548. Prices then consolidated but have since pushed higher again; the push has turned to a sprint, with prices gaining more than $100 in four days. While prices look overbought in the short term, having been underwater for so long and having put in a solid base that has been tested on various occasions, the rally may well have further to run, analysts suggest. Next resistance is likely to be encountered around $1,646 and $1,655, they opined. Macro factors According to the industry experts, the build-up in cancelled warrants is the main feature of the market – slowly but surely, available LME stocks have shrunk while metal has flowed...
MCX Aluminium remain up on rising demand and global cues
Aluminium along with a few other select base metals strengthened by INR 2 per kg at the non-ferrous market today in India, following pick up in demand from consuming industries coupled with a firm global trend. Traders said besides pick up in demand from consuming industries, a firm global trend kept select base metal prices trade higher. Following are today's metal rates (in INR per kg): • Aluminium ingots INR 156 • Aluminium sheet cutting INR 152 • Aluminium wire scrap INR 152 • Aluminium utensils scrap INR 150
Port of Corpus Christi makes bid to purchase Sherwin Alumina property
The Port of Corpus Christi has put in a bid to buy the property of Sherwin Alumina Co., now wrestling with bankruptcy and a nearly two-year-long labor dispute, federal court records show. The fifth-largest port of the USA has offered a bid totaling $32.9 million, and already has made a $2 million "good faith deposit" with a bank to move the process forward, according to documents filed Monday at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston. The port also looks to spend $13 million in capital, deferred maintenance, and environmental improvements in the area if Sherwin Alumina or another company continues to operate the nonport assets in the production of alumina. The Port Authority on Tuesday authorized its staff to close the purchase of the land. In a letter included in the court filing, John P....
Canadian firm OpenAire to build giant aluminium skyline for UAE mall
OpenAire, a Canadian designer of eco-friendly roof structures, said it has won a contract to manufacture a huge, aluminium elliptical-shaped dome for a 280,000-sq-ft shopping mall in Sharjah, UAE. Located less than 10 km from Dubai, the 31-storey complex will rise from the city's waterfront like an oasis of luxury retail and residential space. With an area of almost 300,000 sq ft and over 30 floors of space, the Sharjah Mall will be more than just a shopping centre. OpenAire has partnered with Aluminium Light Industries Company (Alico) to complete this flagship Sharjah Mall project. It will be, in short, a vibrant city within a city with inviting interiors. As its centrepiece, the mall will feature a remarkable aluminium elliptical dome skylight designed and manufactured by OpenAire....
BMW Exec Mr. Zangerle to speak at Asia Automotive Lightweight Supply-Chain Symposium
The 4th Automotive Lightweight Supply-Chain Symposium will be kicked off on the 11th of July 2016 at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai, China. The AluMag Symposium, which was held the first time in Düsseldorf (Germany) back in 2014, has experienced a steady growth of attendance from international OEMs. Different from most Chinese conferences, the AluMag Symposium focuses on more intensive discussions with more international attendees under a much closer but also a warm atmosphere. Attendees will get to network with important lightweight supply-chain executives who will be coming from all around the world. The 4th symposium agenda features a number of high ranked industry executives. Among the booked speakers are: • Mr. Stefan Zangerle – Head of Purchasing Cast Parts BIW / Body and...
Die casting foundry MRT wins queen's award for international trade
Staff at world class foundry MRT Castings is celebrating after winning a Queen’s Award For International Trade on Her Majesty’s 90thbirthday. Family-owned and managed MRT joined the prestigious list of UK achievers after growing export turnover by 330 per cent over the last three years. Overseas trade now accounts for 56 per cent of business at the aluminium die caster which last year recorded turnover of £7.2 million. The Hampshire company casts and machines complex engineering components for original equipment manufacturers all over the world. Its main markets are the medical sector, aerospace and defence. Many of the components manufactured by MRT are life-critical or safety-critical, requiring the highest levels of engineering expertise. Managing Director Phil Rawnson said: “We are...
